Western Montana Real Estate Blog

The Value of a Real Estate Agent

Travis Martinez — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Many companies have popped up offering sellers the chance to list on the MLS for a fraction of what they might pay at a traditional real estate brokerage. What is the difference? The short answer is a real estate agent. Sure these companies have to be...(read more)

Backpage.com expands into Montana

Travis Martinez — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:45:00 GMT

Until now Montana was a black hole as far as Backpage.com was concerned. The nearest area to post for sale listings was Spokane Washington, until now. Backpage now has a dedicated place for all of Montana. http://Montana.Backpage.com This is not ideal...(read more)

HUD's Welcome Home Program (or the HUD $8,000 bridge loan for First Time Home Buyer)

Travis Martinez — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:40:00 GMT

Even though Montana's Governor decided that a bridge loan for first time home buyers to use their tax credit at the closing table was not a good idea, HUD had a different opinion. HUD Officials announced that they are going ahead with plans to develop...(read more)

Welcome Home Program is Dead!!!

Travis Martinez — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:07:00 GMT

Yesterday Governor Brian Schweitzer vetoed the Welcome Home Program. He passed HB 645 which contained the Welcome Home Program, but he cut out that program and meth project funding before signing the bill into law. Here is his comments on the Welcome...(read more)

Top Ten Reasons to Not Buy a Home This Year

Travis Martinez — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:41:00 GMT

10. I bought a home last year. 9. I dont need the extra tax benefits of owning a home. 8. My landlord is such a nice guy I think I am going to keep paying his mortgage. 7. I dont like moving. 6. The $8,000 incentive is just not that enticing. 5. I live...(read more)

Welcome Home Program Update

Travis Martinez — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:05:00 GMT

The good news is that both the State Senate and State House has approved HB 645 which includes the Welcome home program. The not so good news is that they approved different versions. Now a joint committee of the House and Senate has been created to hash...(read more)

Get the word out about the First Time Homebuyers Class

Travis Martinez — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:05:00 GMT

The buzz has started. In today's Ravalli Republic there was an article about our First Time Home Buyers Class being held next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Read the full article Follow the State's Welcome Home Program This is a free class for any and everyone...(read more)

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Seminar ..... and its FREE

Travis Martinez — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 01:39:00 GMT

On April 21st from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in Hamilton we are hosting a free seminar explaining the ins and outs of the Federal First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. We will show you what you need to know when buying your first home, how to use the tax credit,...(read more)

Welcome Home Program almost approved

Travis Martinez — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:17:00 GMT

The Welcome Home Program is designed around the federal tax credit for first time homebuyers. This program would loan $8,000 to the buyer on a temporary basis until they can file their taxes and get the money from the federal government. Those funds would...(read more)

Government Affairs Update

Travis Martinez — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:08:00 GMT

Every month I write a Government Affairs Update (since I am Co-Chair of the Government Affairs Committee) article for the Bitterroot Building Industry Association's Newsletter. I thought that I might as well post it here for my clients and friends...(read more)

2009 Montana Legislature tackles Property Tax Reappraisal

Travis Martinez — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:10:00 GMT

The state legislature has been discussing property tax reappraisal. The current bill has many aspects to it. I mainly want to discuss one aspect specifically. The legislature is attempting to have an increase on property owners who live elsewhere, or...(read more)

Streamside Setbacks Knocked Down but not Out

Travis Martinez — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:23:00 GMT

HB455 may not see the light of day in this years Montana Legislative Session. The House Local Government Committee are split down the middle on this one. In order for the committee to pass the bill to the House Floor they have to have a majority of the...(read more)

NAHB has created a webpage to help buyers navigate the Federal Housing Tax Credit

Travis Martinez — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:48:00 GMT

Just a couple of days is all it took for the National Association of Home Builders to update their tax credit site for the new 2009 Federal Tax Housing Credit. This is a much easier site to navigate than the governments own Recovery.gov . The government's...(read more)

Fix Housing First AXED in Stimulus Bill

Travis Martinez — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:29:00 GMT

The federal stimulus package has been finalized, and unfortunately it does not contain the NAHB "fix housing first" plan. After a week of successfully overcoming votes and motions to remove the housing tax credit, the provision was removed on...(read more)

For Sale By Owner Home Tour

Travis Martinez — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:14:00 GMT

I am interested in coordinating a massive open house tour of FSBO Sellers. Why do a Tour? Everyone is looking for that “good deal” For sale by owner listings are considered one of those “good deals” The First time home buyer $7,500...(read more)