NBC featured a video segment with regular contributing Realtor, Barbara Corcoran discussing six reasonably-priced homes in six different states, ranging in price from the mid-200's to the mid-400's, including a home in Bozeman Montana, on the January 30, 2008 Today Show. Other real estate featured included a Beaufort, South Carolina home, on a golf course, for $279,000; a Boca Raton, Florida home, in a gated community, for $325,000; a Sedona, Arizona home, in a climate offering 360 days of sunshine, for $349,999; a Las Vegas, Nevada home, in a city with 1% property tax, for 415,000; and a Lexington, Kentucky home, in the world's horse capital, for $449,500. For More on this Bozeman home on NBC... giving you the advantage... Taunya Fagan - Bozeman Homes - Prudential Montana Real Estate 01/30/2009

Thanks for visiting! Bozeman was featured on the Today Show along with a few other cities across America. Their focus was on homes ranging in price from $200,000 to about $400,000. They discussed each home along with a few key points either about the community or the area in which the home is located. They also discussed some pros and cons regarding things like living in a golf community and how some buyers are afraid of purchasing a model home because they may belive that it's too 'worn' but that is not the case. She does mention that model homes are great homes because it's usually the last home the developer will sell in a subdivision and the buyer can, most likely, negotiate a great price. Watch the video! We'd love to hear your feedback! Take a break from the ordinary to explore so... 01/30/2009

Bozeman, Montana, August 13, 2008 - Prospera Business Network announced today that the Bozeman City Commission has approved the economic development organization's proposal to lead the development of an Economic Development Plan for the City of Bozeman. As a result, Prospera will be conducting economic research on the City, interviewing a broad spectrum of business leaders, key stakeholders and surveying interested citizens. The process is expected to take six months and will produce a detailed document, in addition to a chapter on economic development for the update to the City of Bozeman's 2020Community Plan. "We appreciate the support of the City Commissioners and we are excited to take the lead on this important initiative," said Prospera CEO Bob Hietala. "Throughout this process, w... 01/24/2009

According to Housing Predictor, Bozeman, Montana, the collegiate, skiing, fishing, outdoorsy little city, is tagged as a top ten US real estate market for home appreciation in 2009! Rank       City/Market             2009 Prediction    1.      Bloomington, Illinois          3.6%  2.      Grand Junction, Colorado    3.1% 3.      Billings, Montana               3.1% 4.      Fargo, North Dakota           2.9%  5.      Lander, Wyoming              2.3% 6.      Trenton, New Jersey           2.3% 7.      Morgantown, West Virginia  2.0%  8.      Logan, Utah                      2.0%  9.       Bozeman, Montana                1.8% 10.    Albany, Georgia                1.8% Five Montana cities made the top 25 List. Montana has been somewhat immune to the financial mess and US housing collapse. Th... 01/21/2009

Bozeman's amazing humanitarian, Greg Mortenson, is nominated January 8, 2009 for the Nobel Peace Prize. Nominating the Bozeman, Montana Mortenson for the prestigious Nobel award, were Montana's House Representative, Denny Rehberg and five other members of US Congress, who jointly sent a letter Wednesday to Norway's Nobel Committee, based in Oslo, Norway. Rehberg stated, "Greg Mortenson's work advancing children's education in volatile countries encompasses these values....I can think of no one more deserving of this award." Greg Mortenson, who co-founded both the Central Asia Institute and Pennies for Peace, regulary wows the global community with his on-going dedication to promoting children's education and peace in the world's most dangerous areas of the world. When not overseas, Mort... 01/08/2009

Grubb & Ellis|Montana Commercial would like to congratulate Jim and Matt Tarpey on re-opening the Bacchus Pub in downtown Bozeman.  The Bacchus Pub is located on the ground floor of the historic Baxter Hotel on Main St. and will feature traditional Irish spirits and food and will be open seven days a week.  There will also be an outdoor patio for the warmer months as well as several TV's to watch your favorite sporting events. The Bacchus Pub used to be a local favorite when it was previously opened over a decade ago.  Joe Cobb and Sean Thompson represented the Lessee for this new retail lease.  For information on this and other listings please contact Sean Thompson @ 406.539.0082 / sean.thompson@grubb-ellis.com OR Joe Cobb @ 406.579.2999 / joe.cobb@grubb-ellis.com OR on the web at www.... 01/07/2009

Grubb & Ellis|Montana Commercial would like to congratulate Audio Artisans on leasing their new retail space at Oakwood Square in Bozeman.  Sean Thompson and Joe Cobb of Grubb & Ellis represented the Lessor, Frontier International for this transaction.  For information on this and other listings please contact Sean or Joe at 406.587.8700 or at www.MTcommercialRE.com 01/07/2009

Grubb & Ellis|Montana Commercial, LLC would like to congratulate Joel Laird of State Farm Insurance on leasing a new office space at 40 Spanish Peaks in Four Corners.  Joel, a native of Three Forks, is a new agent for State Farm and Grubb & Ellis wishes him the best of success in his new career and location.  Sean Thompson and Joe Cobb of Grubb & Ellis represented both the Lessor and the Lessee for this transaction.  For information on this and other listings please contact Sean Thompson or Joe Cobb at 406.587.8700 or at www.MTcommercialRE.com   01/07/2009

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is spearheading Fix Housing First, one of the largest coalitions of housing advocates ever assembled in the United States, to push for a housing recovery plan that will revive the economy.   "If we are going to successfully pull our nation out of recession, we must address housing first," said NAHB President and CEO Jerry Howard.   Fix Housing First, which consists of more than 600 organizations, home building companies and manufacturers continues to add new members on a daily basis, is pressing for a major stimulus package to stem the decline in home values, stabilize financial markets and reignite consumer demand. To get the economy moving again, the coalition is urging Congress to support enhancements to the home buyer tax credit and p... 01/03/2009

The Rocky Mountain Section PGA has named P. David Baucom, general manager and director of golf at the Black Bull Bozeman Golf Resort in Bozeman Montana, its PGA Golf Professional of the Year for the second time. Baucom, who previously won the PGA award in 2001, is a 14-year member of the PGA of America and has been with Bozeman Black Bull Golf Community in Bozeman for the past two seasons. The PGA Golf Professional of the Year award is the highest honor paid to a PGA professional. The honoree is chosen based on his or her outstanding leadership abilities, exceptional performance as a PGA Professional and distinguished service to the Association and to the game of golf....For More go to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Taunya Fagan Bozeman Real Estate   - Call 406.579.9683 for More on Black ... 12/31/2008

Here is a tip for those who are shopping for Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs): the "margin" is almost as important as the initial rate. The margin is the percentage point above the average yields for Treasury notes on which future rate adjustments will be calculated.Let's compare two hypothetical one-year ARMs. The first may have an initial interest rate of 7% with a 2.5 margin, while the second begins at 6 7/8% with a 2.75 margin. Both loans have rate caps of 2%. Suppose that at the end of the first year of the loan, the average of the one-year Treasury note yield has been 5 1/2%. For each loan, the lenders will add the margin to that 5 1/2% average yield. Thus the interest rate for first loan would increase from 7% to 8%, and the second would go from 6 7/8% to 8 1/4%. While the first ... 12/30/2008

"Bridger Bowl, MT is the gem of the Northern Rockies. Located only 16 miles north of Bozeman, Montana..." Bridger Bowl, Bozeman, Montana opens today, Thursday, December 11th, beginning the 2008-2009 Montana Skiing and Montana Snowboarding Season! Offering over 2000 acres of Rocky Mountain skiing and snowboarding, Bridger Bowl's terrain is broken down thus: 22% Green, 30% Blue, 26% Black Diamond, and 22% Double Black Diamond, which includes both the formidable Ridge and this year's newly opened 311 acres in Slushman's Ravine and Mundy's Bowl. (Don't forget to change the batteries in the Peeps, and leave the Lithium batteries at home.) Snowfall to date is 60 inches and the settled base depth is 40 inches. Adult ticket is $45, Senior (65-71 years-old) Ticket is $37 Child (6-12 years-old) T... 12/11/2008

Hello, I am new to Active Rain and I wanted to introduce myself: I am Peggy Lipsey with Prudential Montana Real Estate in Bozeman, Montana. I have been licensed in Montana since 1985 and have the GRI, CRS and ABR designations. I look forward to reading great real estate information and professional insights from the Active Rain community and hope I can reciprocate. Peggy LipseyPrudential Montana Real Estate   12/10/2008

Classes at The HRDC’s Homeownership Center The Road to Home January - March 2009 Homeownership Education Are you ready to buy a home? What are the benefits of homeownership? How do lenders decide to make loans? Our 9 hour, comprehensive homeownership education course, directed by a HUD-Approved instructor, will help you to better understand the home purchase process. Topics covered include: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Homeownership; Assessing Homeownership Readiness; Understanding Credit; Managing your Finances; The Mortgage Process; Special Programs for First Time Buyers; Shopping for a Home, a Lender, and a Realtor; Closing Your Deal; and Maintaining Your Home and Your Finances after you purchase. Completion of homeownership education makes you a smarter, better borrower, and ... 12/10/2008

"One reason why downturns tend to be good times to launch new businesses is because established companies abandon promising growth opportunities too fast. Oracle and Microsoft were both born in difficult economic times." ("All You Need Is Cash." Economist, 22-28 Nov. 2008: 17)Though you may not aspire to be that BIG guy, Mister Softee...yet, nonetheless, it may be time to think BIG when it comes to the business plan for that widget company you have always wanted to start. But "BIG" does NOT mean "starting BIG," it means "thinking BIG" by putting together all the little pieces of a good business plan.Some, but not all, of the MANY aspects of a good business plan include:Describe Your Business.Business Vision Statement.Elevator Speech (Short Statement).Who is Your Competition?How Will You... 12/10/2008

Refurbished and dazzling, The Ellen Theatre on Main Street, in Downtown Bozeman, Montana will host the Charles Dickens story, "A Christmas Carol," from December 7 through December 23, 2008.  Presented by Montana Theatre Works, the play begins Friday, December 5, 2008 at 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM. This classic Christmas story, with 38 characters, is directed by Bozeman's local theatre veteran, Todd Hoberecht. This a highly recommended play to see! Bozeman's Ellen Theatre opened for the first time on December 1, 1919, and has played its share of parts, including that of movie house, strip tease venue, vaudeville house, wedding venue, high school playhouse, and now returning as Montana Theatre Works' playhouse. For Ellen Theatre Information and Showtimes, click the link or call 406-570-6199.  ... 12/03/2008

"At the top of the market, the cap rates of tertiary-market properties were similar to properties in primary and secondary markets." (CCIM Institute) Coupled with the fact that Balance Sheet Lenders, i.e., institutions that lend per the Balance-Sheet, aka, Portfolio Lenders, are filling the void left by the dearth of solvent secondary Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS) markets, it may be time to take another look at investing in smaller commercial real estate markets, because local lenders know their towns and commercial property real estate values are dropping in tertiary markets, too.Note: "Smaller banks also have higher capital reserve requirements than larger rivals, which left them 'operating on better capital cushions going into this downturn,'" said Jay Brinkmann, chief... 11/29/2008

The Bridger Ski Foundation will hold its annual Bozeman Ski Swap on Saturday and Sunday, November 8th and 9th, 2008 at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 North Black in Bozeman. Except for the first hour, this annual ski equipment flea market for everything ski- and snow-board related is open to the public. Find alpine, nordic, snowboard, and skate skis, along with poles, boots bindings, clothing, helmets, kids equipment, and more. This is another one of Bozeman's annual events in which you may witness the camaraderie and fun Bozmanites enjoy. Simply experiencing the masses of ski equipment, the excitement, and the fun the young and old die-hard and beginning skiers have in the old fairground buildings, is worth the $2.00 admission fee (for non-members). -Bring your Consignments on Fr... 11/01/2008

Jim Woodley Receives Professional Standards Administrator Certification Jim Woodley recently received his Professional Standards Administrator certificate after attending a Professional Standards Administrator training class in Miles City, Montana. The attendees learned the National Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards process and the importance of the self-regulating procedure that guarantees due process to all members. The Montana Association of REALTORS® provided the class. The instructor was Bruce Aydt, a nationally recognized authority on the National Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards procedures. Jim Woodley can be reached at 556-5040 and jimw@imt.net 10/27/2008

Bring the whole family to The Emerson Cultural Center, Bozeman, Montana for this year's Powder Blast to support the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center (GNFAC).  Powder Blast is being held at the Emerson Center's Ballroom, Friday, October 24th, 2008, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. For $30 you will enjoy dinner, microbrews, wine, live music, and a silent auction for outdoor gear and clothing, and you'll b supporting the Center's important goals of providing the public with current snowpack and mountain weather information, safe winter mountain travel guidelines, and avalanche education. Get Tickets at Barrel Mountaineering, Northern Lights, Team Bozeman, and Timber Trails. Sponsored by Sweet Pea's Nursery, with additional support by The Community Food Coop, Jeff King of Edwards Jones Inve... 10/23/2008