Monday, December 15, 2008

Bozeman Real Estate Blog - Montana Real Estate Blogs

The Bozeman Real Estate Blog

Keeping you informed with superior real estate information to keep up-to-date about Bozeman, Montana and the surrounding region. 

With the Bozeman Real Estate Blog you'll get to know Bozeman and southwest Montana.

Come drive the backroads, climb the mountains; fish the rivers, ski the peaks; visit the shops, dine at the restaurants; learn the trails, explore its nature; know the area, love the area...the town, the mountains, the land...It's Time...Come Join Us!

The Bozeman Real Estate Blog allows me to offer you the chance to get to know an individual Montana REALTOR® with solid real estate knowledge and experience; an individual Montana REALTOR® with abundant energy and a tireless work ethic; an individual Montana REALTOR® who listens and offers you personal attention.

To that end, the "Bozeman Real Estate Blog" is a method for me to personally serve you, the reader, the future partner. This blog offers you pertinent Bozeman, Montana real estate information, a professional real estate perspective, and a personal touch; this is what a real estate blog should offer.


giving you the advantage...®
Bozeman Real Estate 406.579.9683 

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Bozeman Montana Green Homes - Montana Green homes

As we all probably know by now, green building techniques have the potential to be money savers. 

Green Building Techniques not only can you save on energy costs, a complete green home building program can:

  1. reduce natural resources depletion, save natural and man-made resources.
  2. lower your overall environmental impact.
  3. lower water consumption - buildings consume 14% of US potable water.
  4. encourage others to go green.
  5. lower greenhouse gas emissions.
  6. reduce the amount of energy drawn from local utility companies - buildings account for 39% of US energy use.
  7. improve your indoor environmental quality.
  8. lower air-pollution - buildings account for 38% of US carbon dioxide - CO2 - emissions.
  9. lower dependency on foreign energy.
  10. reduce the amount of building/solid waste sent to local landfills.
According to guidelines of NAHB Model GREEN Home Building, the green building processes build in environmental considerations to every phase of green home building processes. That means that during the design, construction, and operation of a home, homeowner maintenance, lot development, resource efficient building design and materials, energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and the home's overall impact on the environment are all considered.

June 20, 2008 found both the Montana Home Builders Association and the Missoula Building Industry Association created a new voluntary residential green building program, named the Montana Green Building Program. This program has partnered with the Green Building Initiative (GBI) and is designed to help increase Montana energy-efficiency and produce more environmentally-friendly Montana homes. This Green Building Program has outlined a entry level that will offer training resources and practical green building methods for Montana green builders.


Taunya Fagan Bozeman Real Estate, giving you the advantage...®

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Ten Rules to Follow When Selling Bozeman Montana Homes

Ten Rules to Follow When Selling Bozeman Montana Homes (from MontanaRealtors.org)

1. Hire a good agent. A professional REALTOR® who knows your neighborhood and has a good track record in your community will go a long way in helping to find a buyer.

2. Clean out the clutter. Open spaces look best. Clean, and clean some more to make a good first impression.

3. Spiff up the property. Make any improvements that will improve the showing of your home. When possible, stick with the simpler (and less expensive) options to be sure the buying price covers your investment.

4. Determine the worth. Know the fair market value of your home. Your REALTOR® can help you assess the cost. You may also want to have the home appraised.

5. Price it right. A REALTOR® can help you objectively set the price so that it reflects the value of your home and the trends of the surrounding community.

6. Come up with a plan. Are you set on your price or eager to move? How low are you willing to go to settlement?

7. Get pre-approved for your next move. If you’re looking to buy another house, make sure you know your financial situation.

8. Figure out your selling costs. Commission, ad costs, attorney fees, taxes and prorated costs may all come into play. REALTORS® deal with transactions every day and can give you a very close estimate of seller closing costs.

9. Set the Stage. Clean the windows, open the curtains, turn on the lights, display fresh flowers. A bright house is a welcoming house.

10. It’s show time. Be ready and willing to have your home shown any day, even with short notice. Making it difficult to see will also make it difficult to sell.

Taunya Fagan Bozeman Real Estate, giving you the advantage...®

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

7 Ranges Ranch - Bozeman, Montana Ranches

7 Ranges Ranch - Seven Ranges Ranch - Montana Ranches - Montana Farm and Ranch - Montana Horse Property - Bozeman Ranches - Bozeman Horse Property - Gated Ranches - Montana Horse Acreage



7 Ranges is located on a quiet ranch in the Hyalite Mountain Range foothills near vibrant, Dream Town, Bozeman, Montana. The Bozeman region is home to world class fly fishing, skiing, and a plethora of sporting and cultural activities. Nightlife and commercial amenities can also be found in charming Gallatin Gateway, with it's rustic character and Montana small town feel.

Seven Ranges is a private, gated, luxury land community, offering 18 home sites spread over 1300 rolling acres. This secluded setting in Montana's Gallatin Valley foothills lies between Bozeman and Big Sky, offering easy driving to skiing and easy walking to miles of trails for enjoyment and access to thousands of acres of Forest Service.

You will be amazed at the stunning, 360 degree views of the beautiful Gallatin Valley, circumscribed by seven mountain ranges. Utilities are available to each 7 Ranges' tract and covenants allow for a private residence, a guest house, a barn and outbuildings. Horses are very welcome.

With all that 7 Ranges has to offer, it has been well worth the wait.

For more information on Seven Ranges...

Call 406.579.9683 or email to taunya at taunyafagan.com

giving you the advantage...®

Friday, July 11, 2008

Habitat for Humanity Gallatin Valley, Montana


Join Habitat for Humanity of Gallatin Valley (HfHGV) for the Ride for Homes, a special fundraising event with a scenic motorcycle ride followed by a BBQ dinner and rock concert at Bogert Park in Bozeman, Montana, on Saturday July 12, 2008, beginning at 10:30 am.

Registration begins at 9:00 am, Saturday, July 12 at Yellowstone Harley-Davidson, 540 Alaska Frontage Road, Belgrade, Montana. Phone: 406.388.7684 - Yellowstone Harley-Davidson
BBQ, Auction, & Rock Concert with "Comstock Lode" is at Bozeman's Bogert Park, on East Main Street, from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.


giving you the advantage....®

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Spectacular Mountaintop Log Retreat

No Longer Listed - Spectacular Mountain Top Log Retreat in Helena, MT


This exquisitely designed, furnished, 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom masterpiece of log architecture takes log home construction to a magnificent height. Elegant and perfectly proportioned, Whisperwood sits atop its own private, 43 acre summit, offering breathtaking views of the City of Helena and its lakes and mountains.
Whisperwood is constructed of the finest materials and was built with painstaking precision and dedication to detail.

Enjoy the gourmet kitchen replete with Blue Pine cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, double ovens, central island, and additional four-person unique, wood and stone pedestal table. Enjoy the magnificent stone fireplace or take in the views while lounging in the grand living room. Retire to the guest suite to read beside its own fireplace.

Retreat to the private office for business or quite time. Take the central elevator to the cozy upper reading-sitting area. Workout in the lower recreation room. Transport your groceries or guests' bags by elevator from the heated 3-car garage to the upper floors. Enjoy the stunning landscaping with a mix of conifers, aspens, and flowers watered by underground sprinklers.

Whisperwood's Master Suite offers a unique configuration of His and Hers Powder Rooms, each with its own toilet, sink, and walk-in closet then to be joined by the large shower and soaker tub. Capture the sun rise from the Master Suite's own private deck. Main and majority of second floor offer radiant in-floor ("Warmboard") heat with Hand-scraped Hickory Flooring. Lower-level offers radiant in-floor heat as well.

Furnishings and Window Coverings convey. Central Elevator services every floor. The home's interior and exterior log walls are constructed of alternating 8" and 10" Hand-peeled Lodgepole Pine logs, which were split lengthwise to sandwich a six-inch wall between, increasing R-value. Kuboto tractor with plow conveys.

Step outside to the Massive Decking, with side Covered Porch and Outdoor Hearth to enjoy spectacular 270 deg. views of Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, Lake Helena, The Elkhorn Mountains, Helena National Forest, and The Big Belt Mountains.

giving you the advantage...®



Tuesday, March 11, 2008

SOLD! End-of-the-Road Privacy in Gallatin Gateway, Montana

SOLD! - End-of-the-Road Privacy in Gallatin Gateway, Montana


This end-of-the-road gorgeous, custom Bozeman home in Gallatin Gateway on over 4 acres is nestled against the Gallatin Mountain Range and backs to a 14 acre park with fast flowing, audible stream. With fabulous mountain views, a purling stream, along with old growth conifers, the patio and deck provide a soothing and private setting for entertaining or just relaxing.


Main Floor Master Suite - Little Bear Subdivision

This Montana home's features are: radiant floor heat, solid maple doors and trim throughout, 5-zone heating, stainless steel appliances, and massive wall of windows for solar gain and sense of being outdoors.

Enjoy riding your horses, ATV, and motorcycles right out your driveway to Forest Service access, only 4/10 of a mile from the home. Gain access to thousands of acres of recreation. This property is also perfect for your horses, as it has several great pasture areas.

giving you the advantage...®

Taunya Fagan Bozeman Real Estate   406.579.9683   taunya at taunyafagan.com

Belgrade Montana Real Estate - Livingston Montana Real Estate

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Belgrade Montana Real Estate Statistics 2007 versus 2006

The Belgrade, Montana market:

January 1, 2008: 147 Single family homes for sale
January 1, 2007: 153 Single family homes for sale
January 1, 2008: 37 Condos for sale
January 1, 2007: 54 Condos for sale

Belgrade average sales prices are $50,000 lower than within the Bozeman city limits.

Single family homes sales in 2007: 268 and price: $284,834.
Single family homes sales in 2006: 284 and price: $295,397

Condo sales in 2007: 114 and price: $156,499
Condo sales in 2006: 163 and price: $149,375


giving you the advantage...®

Friday, February 15, 2008

Bozeman Montana Real Estate Statistics 2007 versus 2006

Once again, within the Bozeman, Montana city limits Bozeman condos and town homes rule, surpassing single family detached housing for the third year.


· 425 condos and townhouses sold in 2007: average price: $234,936
· 433 condos and townhouses sold in 2006: average price: $228,269

· 331 single family homes sold in 2007 :average price $337,683
· 379 single family homes sold in 2006: average price $348,766
· Average price for 2005: $312,723

· City of Bozeman issued 758 housing unit permits in 2007
· City of Bozeman issued 670 housing unit permits in 2006.
· Total value all building permits for 2007 $243,751,248
· Total value all building permits for 2007 $192,676,993

giving you the advantage...®

Taunya Fagan Bozeman Real Estate   -   406.579.9683


Thursday, January 31, 2008

Taunya Fagan Bozeman Montana Real Estate TV Advertisement

Because you never get a second chance to make a first impression, Taunya Fagan Bozeman Montana Real Estate offers the highest caliber marketing for your Montana real estate through television, internet, and print, giving you the advantage....®


giving you the advantage....®

Taunya Fagan Bozeman Real Estate  406.579.9683  taunya at taunyafagan.com

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Taunya Fagan Bozeman MT Real Estate Profile


Taunya Fagan Bozeman Real Estate 


Taunya represents clients throughout southwest Montana and the U. S., and has extensive experience finding clients distinctive properties. If you'd like a ranch, luxury estate (including The Yellowstone Club), open land, home, commercial or income property, she will help you pick the perfect piece of property for your needs; she will guide you to make an informed decision in Montana's real estate market. 

Taunya helps clients pinpoint what they desire by listening, researching, and performing. She has a wealth of contacts and often hears of properties prior to their reaching the market, giving you the advantage....®


Taunya offers the highest caliber property marketing through television, internet, and print. She does the necessary research, and will price your property appropriately and list it on the MLS for top dollar. She will aggressively market it and work towards a speedy sale. 

giving you the advantage...

 406.579.9683

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Bozeman Montana is Top Fishing Town

Bozeman: Montana's Fly Fishing Capital

Field & Stream Magazine, January 2008

Bozeman, Montana: Best Fishing Towns in America

Photo courtesy of: Montana Troutfitters

Bozeman, Montana found itself in fourth place out of the top 20 fishing towns in the United States based on a Field and Stream Magazine report. 


A great aspect of Montana fishing is the State's 1985 Stream Access Law, which allows everyone in Montana recreational access to rivers and streams up to the ordinary high-water mark, and this regardless of stream bed ownership. 

For the non-resident a license is not costly: purchase both a Conservation License for $10 plus a Montana Fishing License for $15 and get 2 consecutive days of fishing, or for $43.50 you get 10 consecutive days, or for just $60 you may fish for the whole season. It's worth a visit...

Sunday, January 13, 2008

What is Homeowners Insurance?

What is Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowner’s insurance provides financial protection against disasters. A standard policy insures the home itself and the things you keep in it. 

Note: Always contact your insurance agent to ensure this and other homeowner's insurance information is correct and up-to-date.

Homeowners insurance is a package policy. This means that it covers both damage to your property and your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries and property damage you or members of your family cause to other people. This includes damage caused by household pets. Damage caused by most disasters is covered but there are exceptions. The most significant are damage caused by floods, earthquakes and poor maintenance. You must buy two separate policies for flood and earthquake coverage. Maintenance-related problems are the homeowners' responsibility. Bozeman Home Owner's Insurance Information

What is in a standard homeowner’s insurance policy?
A standard homeowner’s insurance policy includes four essential types of coverage. They include:
Coverage for the structure of your home.
Coverage for your personal belongings.
Liability protection.
Additional living expenses in the event you are temporarily unable to live in your home because of a fire or other insured disaster.

1. The structure of your house - This part of your policy pays to repair or rebuild your home if it is damaged or destroyed by fire, hurricane, hail, lightning or other disaster listed in your policy. It will not pay for damage caused by a flood, earthquake or routine wear and tear. When purchasing coverage for the structure of your home, it is important to buy enough to rebuild your home.Most standard policies also cover structures that are detached from your home such as a garage, tool shed or gazebo. Generally, these structures are covered for about 10% of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home. If you need more coverage, talk to your insurance agent about purchasing more insurance.

2. Your personal belongings - Your furniture, clothes, sports equipment and other personal items are covered if they are stolen or destroyed by fire, hurricane or other insured disaster. Most companies provide coverage for 50% to 70% of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home. So if you have $100,000 worth of insurance on the structure of your home, you would have between $50,000 to $70,000 worth of coverage for your belongings. The best way to determine if this is enough coverage is to conduct a home inventory.This part of your policy includes off-premises coverage. This means that your belongings are covered anywhere in the world, unless you have decided against off-premises coverage. Some companies limit the amount to 10% of the amount of insurance you have for your possessions. You have up to $500 of coverage for unauthorized use of your credit cards.Expensive items like jewelry, furs and silverware are covered, but there are usually dollar limits if they are stolen. Generally, you are covered for between $1,000 to $2,000 for all of your jewelry and furs. To insure these items to their full value, purchase a special personal property endorsement or floater and insure the item for it's appraised value. Coverage includes “accidental disappearance,” meaning coverage if you simply lose that item. And there is no deductible. Trees, plants and shrubs are also covered under standard homeowners insurance. Generally you are covered for 5% of the insurance on the house—up to about $500 per item. Perils covered are theft, fire, lightning, explosion, vandalism, riot and even falling aircraft. They are not covered for damage by wind or disease.

3. Liability Protection - Liability covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or family members cause to other people. It also pays for damage caused by your pets. So, if your son, daughter or dog accidentally ruins your neighbor’s expensive rug, you are covered. However, if they destroy your rug, you are not covered.The liability portion of your policy pays for both the cost of defending you in court and any court awards—up to the limit of your policy. You are also covered not just in your home, but anywhere in the world.Liability limits generally start at about $100,000. However, experts recommend that you purchase at least $300,000 worth of protection. Some people feel more comfortable with even more coverage. You can purchase an umbrella or excess liability policy which provides broader coverage, including claims against you for libel and slander, as well as higher liability limits. Generally, umbrella policies cost from $200 to $350 for $1 million of additional liability protection.Your policy also provides no-fault medical coverage. In the event a friend or neighbor is injured in your home, he or she can simply submit medical bills to your insurance company. This way, expenses are paid without a liability claim being filed against you. You can generally get $1,000 to $5,000 worth of this coverage. It does not, however, pay the medical bills for your family or your pet.

4. Additional Living Expenses - This pays the additional costs of living away from home if you can't live there due to damage from a fire, storm or other insured disaster. It covers hotel bills, restaurant meals and other living expenses incurred while your home is being rebuilt. Coverage for additional living expenses differs from company to company. Many policies provide coverage for about 20% of the insurance on your house. You can increase this coverage, however, for an additional premium. Some companies sell a policy that provides an unlimited amount of loss-of-use coverage, but for a limited amount of time.If you rent out part of your house, this coverage also reimburses you for the rent that you would have collected from your tenant if your home had not been destroyed.

Are there different types of policies?

Yes. A person who owns his or her home would have a different policy from someone who rents. Policies also differ on the amount of insurance coverage provided.The different types of homeowners policies are fairly standard throughout the country. However, individual states and companies may offer policies that are slightly different or go by other names such as “standard” or “deluxe”.

If you own your homeIf you own the home you live in, you have several policies to choose from. The most popular policy is the HO-3, which provides the broadest coverage. Owners of multi-family homes generally purchase an HO-3 with an endorsement to cover the risks associated with having renters live in their homes. HO-1: Limited coverage policy This “bare bones” policy covers you against the first 10 disasters. It's no longer available in most states. HO-2: Basic policyA basic policy provides protection against all 16 disasters. There is a version of HO-2 designed for mobile homes. HO-3: The most popular policy This “special” policy protects your home from all perils except those specifically excluded.

HO-8: Older home Designed for older homes, this policy usually reimburses you for damage on an actual cash value basis which means replacement cost less depreciation. Full replacement cost policies may not be available for some older homes.

If you rent your home: HO4-Renter Created specifically for those who rent the home they live in, this policy protects your possessions and any parts of the apartment that you own, such as new kitchen cabinets you install, against all 16 disasters.

If you own a co-op or a condo H0-6: condo/co-opA policy for those who own a condo or co-op, it provides coverage for your belongings and the structural parts of the building that you own. It protects you against all 16 disasters.

Your level of coverage: Regardless of whether you are an owner or renter, you have the following three options:
Actual cash value. This type of policy pays to replace your home or possessions minus a deduction for depreciation.

Replacement cost.The policy pays the cost of rebuilding/repairing your home or replacing your possessions without a deduction for depreciation.

Guaranteed or extended replacement cost.This policy offers the highest level of protection. A guaranteed replacement cost policy pays whatever it costs to rebuild your home as it was before the fire or other disaster–even if it exceeds the policy limit. This gives you protection against sudden increases in construction costs due to a shortage of building materials after a widespread disaster or other unexpected situations. It generally won't cover the cost of upgrading the house to comply with current building codes. You can, however, get an endorsement (or an addition to) your policy called 

Ordinance or Law to help pay for these additional costs. A guaranteed replacement cost policy may not be available if you own an older home.Some insurance companies offer an extended, rather than a guaranteed replacement cost policy. An extended policy pays a certain percentage over the limit to rebuild your home. Generally, it is 20 to 25 percent more than the limit of the policy. For example, if you took out a policy for $100,000, you could get up to an extra $20,000 or $25,000 of coverage. 

Even though a guaranteed/extended replacement cost policy may be a bit more expensive, it offers the best financial protection against disasters for your home. These coverages, however, may not be available in all states or from all companies.

Information provided by Insurance Information Institute