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Top Real Estate Agents in Bozeman, MT

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About Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman, Montana History The city is named after John M. Bozeman, founder of the strategic Bozeman Trail. John Bozeman began an agricultural colony in the Gallatin Valley, raising potatoes and wheat for Montana miners working in the Virginia City, MT gold mines. Located in Southwest Montana, in one of the fastest-growing counties in Montana (Gallatin), Bozeman is home toMontana State University, the Museum of the Rockies, excellentBozeman schools, world-classBozeman skiing and snowboarding, fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, ice climbing, camping, rafting, birding, biking, golf, hockey, running, and many more Bozeman events and area activities. In 1864, W.W. Alderson described Montana’s Gallatin Valley as “one of the most beautiful and picturesque valleys the eye ever beheld, abounding in springs of clear water.” In the late 1800’s many agreed, calling it “The Egypt” or “The Garden Spot of Montana.” More at:https://www.taunyafagan.com/bozeman-montana/

"Don't expect the same urban efficiency with regards to mail..."

Recently, the great county of Gallatin has re-circulated a fantastic document entitled 'Code Of The New West'.  This document was originally written in 2002, when the population in Bozeman was only about 30,000, the average cost of building a single-family home was a mere $127,000, and the local crime rate was higher than national average.  Bozeman was a different town than it is today.  Something had just started happening, however.  People from across the country (world, really) were starting to take notice of our little slice of paradise and (gasp) MOVING HERE.  Some even had the audacity to move to the Gallatin Valley from urban areas where they were accustomed to amenities such as grocery store on every corner, a curb-side trash service, paved roads, and... snow removal services.  The problem was, Montana was (and still is) quite "wild".  Montanans were self-sufficient people who knew that winters were long and cold, paved roads could be considered a luxury, and living in a rural area, in particular, meant planning ahead where groceries were concerned, because there's a high probability of being snowed in during winter months. The 'Code Of The New West' was Gallatin County's answer to frequent complaints from new-comers regarding things like street maintenance (or lack, thereof) and poor electrical service.  It was posted in government offices across the county.   Bozeman has come a very long way in a short 14 years.  Some native Montanans view this as a bad thing, some as a very good thing. For starters, 2002 marked the beginning of a population boom.  Today, Bozeman itself (not counting MSU - Bozeman student population nor that of its surrounding areas) has a population of nearly 40,000.  This spike in population has brought with it revenue, a better infrastructure, culture, tons of outstanding small businesses- oh, and a MUCH lower crime rate, just for starters.   Lest we not forget where we started, however, here are a few of our favorite lines from 'Code Of The New West'.  "Emergency response times (sheriff, fire, ambulance, etc.,) cannot be guaranteed." "In extreme weather even County-maintained roads can become impassable.  You may need a four-wheel drive vehicle with chains to travel on some snow-packed roads... living in a rural area means developing special driving skills and good judgment." "Don't expect neighbors to join a petition asking for improved service from the county..." "If your road is unpaved, it is highly unlikely that Gallatin County will pave it in the foreseeable future..." "Sometimes it may seem we're still in the days of the Pony Express.  Don't expect the same urban efficiency with regards to mail, newspaper and other delivery services." "You may be provided with a plat of your property.  Do not assume the plat is accurate..." visit http://gallatincomt.virtualtownhall.net/Public_Documents/gallatincomt_webdocs/CodeWestRev to read Gallatin County's 'Code Of The New West' in its entirety.

Did You Rent Before Buying Your First Home?

For a lot of people, renting an apartment or house before buying their first home serves as a type of practice run. In fact, before 2003, about 80 percent of first-time home buyers rented prior to becoming homeowners. Typically younger, first-time buyers can get a taste of autonomy and responsibility as a renter before taking on the added challenges of home ownership. These days, however, an increasing number of first timers are skipping that step and buying their first house after living with a parent, relative, or friend. That seems unusual, but is probably explained by the fact that it's easier to save for a down payment when living rent free. And – since a growing number of young Americans name saving for a down payment among the top obstacles preventing them from buying a house – this makes sense. But what about repeat buyers? Well, according to data from the National Association of Realtors' Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers nearly 30 percent of repeat buyers last year were renting prior to purchasing their home. That's a dramatic change from years past when it's been as low as 10 percent. According to a report from Jessica Lautz, NAR's managing director of survey research and communication, recent economic history helps explain the upswing. “The increase in renting may have occurred as sellers waited during housing market uncertainty to purchase another home and tight inventory drew out that process until they were able to find the ideal home to purchase,” Lautz writes. Tight inventory would certainly be a major contributing cause here in the Bozeman area. It's no secret that we are experiencing a housing shortage, particularly in the price range most first time home buyers are shopping. There are 20% fewer new listings under the $250,000 price point than were on the market last year.* Are you being forced to rent due to tight inventory? More here. *Gallatin Association of REALTORS