If you're a homeowner in Missoula and are still on a private septic system, you undoubtedly received a letter notifying you of your non-compliance with the City's new ordinance that requires connection to the public sewer. Title 13, Chapter 13.04. If you received a notice, it is public record and will show up on your title report when you go to transfer ownership of your home. This ordinance went into effect on July 1, 2007. Within the Missoula city limits, it is now unlawful for any person to sell, transfer or convey any real property containing plumbed buildings until the plumbed buildings have been connected to the public sewer when it is available. According to the ordinance, public sewer is considered to be available when any building is located within 200 feet or less from any pub... 01/29/2008

  The following is a summary of market activity for the period indicated as recorded by the Missoula Organization of REALTORS® Regional Multiple Listing Service. Figures may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Missoula Urban Area--includes greater Missoula area and Lolo Residential   Month of  December Year to DateYear # Sales Median Price # Sales Median Price2007 65 $217,000 1371 $219,9002006 81 $195,000 1586 $206,6002005 102 $194,450 1558 $191,9002004 81 $184,000 1301 $179,000Missoula Market IndicatorDecember 15, 2007*For the greater Missoula urban area, including Lolo (All Types of single family residential properties).  Arrows indicate direction in last 30 days.  New Listings  Total properties entered into the MOR Regional Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in the last 3... 01/13/2008

If you've ever been to Missoula, Montana during a Grizzly Football Game, the town seems pretty quiet. That's because almost EVERYONE is either at the game, or inside somewhere watching the game. Football is a serious sport in Montana, especially when we play our rivals the Montana State Bobcats or "Cats". The Cat / Griz rivalry goes way back and you will get an earful of Bobcat jokes the week before the game.In case you would like to see what all the fuss is about. Here's the remaining schedule of the Grizzlies:10/6: Eastern Washington (home) : 1:05 pm10/13: @ Sacramento State: 3:05 pm10/20: Northern Colorado (home) 1:05 pm10/27: @ Northern Arizona 4:05 pm11/3: Portland State (home) 12:05 pm11/10: @ Idaho State 3:05 pm11/17: @ Montana State 12:05 pmGO GRIZ! 10/06/2007

There has been a lot of negative press about the real estate market recently. To understand the whole story, you should also consider local markets. In Missoula, Montana for instance, the market remains solid. We have a strong economy and Missoula is a desirable place to live. We also have growth/development restraints due to our location and the geography of our mountain ranges and government land ownership. Demand continues to increase for land.Missoula did not see the same extent of short-term investment activity as other areas. Those "short-term" investors have been hit the hardest nationally.While some states are seeing an increase in foreclosures, Montana's foreclosure rates are decreasing, along with Utah, Idaho, Oregon, New Mexico, Washington, West Virginia, South Carolina, Mary... 09/28/2007

I get asked all of the time, how is the market doing in Missoula with all of the issues with lenders? My experience in the market tells me that the market is still strong in Missoula, people are still buying and selling. September has been one of our busiest months in our history in the field. Here's the formal update from the Missoula Organization of Realtors as of 9/15/07:Missoula and Surrounding Area--includes greater Missoula area, Lolo, Blackfoot Valley, Seeley Lake, Condon, Swan Valley, Evaro Residential, Frenchtown Valley, Huson, Nine Mile, Alberton, and Petty Creek  Month of August Year to DateYear # Sales Median Price # Sales Median Price2007 176 $229,000 1091 $223,0002006 220 $210,000 1303 $209,9002005 203 $197,000 1213 $191,9002004 170 $187,250 1037 $178,000 The national medi... 09/23/2007

Do you have items that are still usable but you no longer need? Or, are you in need of some items? If so, visit the Missoula Freecycle Network at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Missoula-Freecycle/ . It's free and easy to sign up through Yahoo Groups. I've been a member for several months and got some great patio chairs and an almost new grill through the group. We've also posted several items to give away. The Missoula network is pretty active and you'll get new opportunities almost every day. The Missoula Freecycle Network is open to all who want to "recycle" that special something rather than throw it away. Whether it's a chair, clothing, a fax machine, piano, or an old door, feel free to post it. What about groceries you won't get to before you leave town or an unused can of paint in ... 08/24/2007

 Join us at City Club Missoula on June 15th. The topic is The Future of Bicycling in MissoulaFriday, June 15 11:30 am - 1:00 pm - Governor's Room, Florence Building, 111 N. HigginsGas prices are up, summer is on its way and Missoula cyclists are commuting, racing, touring, trail riding and running errands. They're doing it in numbers greater than the national average, and four of 10 University of Montana students bike and walk to school.What's the future of bicycling in Missoula as the city grows? At City Club Missoula's next lunchtime forum on June 15, six cycling specialists from various bicycle arenas will discuss the possibilities and the realities. What will transportation look like as bicycle and walking trails grow in popularity and traffic? What will be the benefits? Where and w... 06/05/2007

 You hear stories about the real estate market cooling off, here's some encouraging news if you have real estate in Montana.No Housing Slowdown in These MarketsAt 17 percent, Utah registered the highest rate of residential appreciation in the nation during the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2006, the U.S. Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight reports. It was the second quarter in a row that Utah weighed in ahead of all other states, according to the agency. Also performing well-above the national norm during the first three months of this year were: Idaho: 12.27 percent Montana: 11.68 percent Wyoming: 11.67 percent Washington: 11.63 percent On a nationwide scale, the rate of home-price growth for the three months came in at 4.25 percent. Source: ... 06/02/2007

Located in the "big sky country" of Montana, lies the Lolo National Forest. The Forest surrounds the western Montana community of Missoula. The crest of the Bitterroot Mountains divides Montana from Idaho and serve as the forest's western boundary. The Continental Divide through the Scapegoat wilderness defines the forest's eastern boundary. Four major rivers and their streams offer some of the best fishing in the Rocky Mountains. The topography varies from remote, high alpine lakes to whitewater streams and from heavily forested ridges to smooth rolling meadows. The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area offers many recreation opportunities right on the edge of Missoula. Recreational Activities:Auto Touring Biking Camping Fishing Hiking Historic & Cultural Site Horseback Riding Hunting I... 05/28/2007

Whether you live in Missoula or are just visiting, you need to visit the National Bison Range. Just a short drive from Missoula, this makes a great day trip.Established in 1908, the National Bison Range is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the nation. It was established with the first Congressional appropriations ever made for the purchase of lands for a wildlife refuge. The original herd of bison, released in 1909, was purchased with private money raised by the American Bison Society and then donated to the Refuge. The Bison Range helped bring the bison back from the edge of extinction. Today, 350-500 bison call this Refuge home. To keep the herd in balance with their habitat, surplus bison are donated and/or sold live.

Much of the Range was once surrounded by prehistoric Lake ... 05/28/2007

If your looking for a great recreational area near Missoula, visit Pattee Canyon.Set in a wooded canyon near Missoula at 4,100 feet , Pattee Canyon Recreation Area has individual family picnic sites available for free. There are 2 group sites available by reservation. The picnic area sits in a grove of big Ponderosa pines. The loop roads are paved and there is a host at the site in the summer. It's open from 9:00am to sunset while the host is there and closed the rest of the year. a popular spot for day hikes and mountain biking. There are handicapped access toilets, no water and no electricity. When the area is closed people are welcome to park outside and walk in to use the area.Recreational Activities:Biking Hiking Visitor Center Wildlife ViewingCross Country SkiingDirections:Take th... 05/28/2007

Mark your calendars for this year's Western Montana Fair which will be held at the Missoula County Fairgrounds from August 7-12, 2007.This year's fair features PRCA Rodeo events, music by Josh Gracin, a demolition derby, amusement park rides, great food, vendors, animals and more!For more information and the schedule, visit http://www.westernmontanafair.com.  05/28/2007

Missoula Urban Area--includes greater Missoula area and Lolo Residential   Month of  April Year to DateYear # Sales Median Price # Sales Median Price2007 98 $207,850 327 $206,4002006 114 $183,950 361 $187,0002005 115 $185,000 317 $178,0002004 97 $167,000 299 $160,000 Missoula and Surrounding Area--includes greater Missoula area, Lolo, Blackfoot Valley, Seeley Lake, Condon, Swan Valley, Evaro Residential, Frenchtown Valley, Huson, Nine Mile, Alberton, and Petty Creek  Month of April Year to DateYear # Sales Median Price # Sales Median Price2007 96 $224,200 331 $205,0002006 116 $193,500 371 $187,0002005 120 $176,875 327 $177,2502004 100 $158,000 316 $159,921Missoula Market IndicatorMay 15, 2007*For the greater Missoula urban area, including Lolo (All Types of single family residential pro... 05/28/2007

Since it's inception in 1954, the Missoula Symphony Orchestra has worked to bring high quality live symphonic music to Western Montana.  The  Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Choral have grown and developed over the years into a fine tuned organization.  To learn more about the Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Choral, click on the link below.http://www.missoulasymphony.org/#   04/30/2007

The Expedition of Lewis & Clark in Montana In 1804  Thomas Jefferson sent Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to find the River of the West, the Northwest Passage, an all-water route connecting the trade routes from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans.  The expedition entered the land of the Blackfeet, which was to become Montana. Today, much of this landscape remains unchanged from the time of Lewis and Clark's crossing. There are scores of landmarks related to the expedition.For a guide to these landmarks and opportunities to enjoy Montana's beauty and recreation, check out this site:http://lewisandclark.state.mt.us/  04/29/2007

At the University of MontanaWho gets to ride motorcycles, break dance and star at charity events? Who is enclosed in a full-body bear suit the entire game in his new suit, specially designed for him? Who caught passes from Miami Hurricane quarterback Ken Dorsey and helped NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana search for a missing ring in a Super Bowl commercial? Who is a motorcycle-riding, moon-walking, back-flipping maniac?Who is the Capital One National Mascot of the Year?Check it out at:http://www.montanagrizzlies.com/content/boosters/monte.htm 04/29/2007

This comfortable and charming brick home has original hardwood floors, tiled entrance, and a cozy brick fireplace. It features 2 main floor bedrooms and 2 bathrooms + BONUS rooms in the basement. Close to the Good Food Store, schools, parks & bus line - this home has a great central location. Bring your special touch and make this home your own.   Missoula MLS #701828. Listed at $189,900.   UPDATE: No Longer Listed 04/11/2007

Are you looking for a home, business, recreational property or land in Missoula, Mineral, Lake or Sanders Counties? Let me help. I love helping people find their dream properties.Just email me or give me a call with a description of what you seek including your Name, Address, Email, and Telephone number. I can email listings to you automatically as they come on the market.Please include in your email a description of the property you would like to look at or a description of the property you want to sell.Price desired or request a CMA (for sellers)Location desiredType of property desiredDo you have any special needs?Are you pre-approved or wanting to purchase some other way such as: Cash or Exchange.  Do you need to speak to a Mortgage Banker or do you already have someone in mind? ****... 03/30/2007

If you're looking for a fun and relaxing activity in Missoula, attend the weekly farmer's market. Located at the end of Higgin's Avenue, the Missoula Farmer's Market includes fresh local produce, baked goods and coffee provided by over 100 vendors in an outdoor setting. A cultural treat!  Just down the street from the farmer's market, you will find the local People's Market. Artisans and crafters from around the state gather here and display their works for sale.Open from mid-May to mid-October every Saturday from 8:30am - 12:00pm and in July and August, Tuesday evenings from 5:45 to 7:15pm.Great fun - bring the whole family!  03/30/2007

Missoula County, Montana covers approximately 2,600 square miles in the western part of the state.  Five large valleys and two major rivers wind through this mountainous region.  Missoula County has a population of over 100,000 people and the county seat is Missoula. Average Highs:Spring - 57.4Summer - 80.4Fall - 56.3Winter - 32.82005 Population of Missoula, Montana estimated:62,923Area Highlights:Rocky Mountain Elk FoundationInternational Wildlife Film FestivalUniversity of MontanaMissoula Children's TheatreMissoula SmokejumpersA Carousel for Missoula  03/30/2007