Why Billings Was Named The Best Town of 2016
If you've watched my videos and read some of my blogs, you will know of my love for this amazing city. This video does a great job of capturing why we were named The Best Town of 2016. Explore the bike trails, fishing, hiking, micro-brews and food! Montana living at its best!
Must See Places Around Billings: Bozeman, MT
So, you’re not going to believe me when I say that it’s been SIX years since my husband and I have had a getaway without the kids…SIX! So, because of the absolute insanity of that, I hounded my husband to take us to Bozeman for our anniversary weekend. Why Bozeman? Well other than the fact that it’s absolutely gorgeous, we could meet the grandparents and drop the kiddos off with them (perfect).
While we didn’t quite know what we would do with ourselves while the kids were gone (any of you parents know exactly what I’m talking about), we quickly adjusted and had an amazing time. Not only could we sleep in for two days straight, we ate at some fantastic restaurants and checked out all the cool little shops on the historic Main Street downtown.
Our first evening we had dinner at The Plonk where we were served an Alligator corn dog for an appetizer (fancied up, of course) and the Ginger Braised Rabbit Sugo along with the Hay Fired Beef Burger for our entrees. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was just perfect. We decided to call it a night after our late dinner so we had energy to conquer the next day (plus we’re getting old).
The Plonk
We slept in the next morning (HEAVEN!!) and went out for brunch at Main Street Over-Easy. When or if you are ever in Bozeman, you have got to check out this place. The food was incredible and very affordable, service was great and it was FUN. I love myself a good Eggs Benedict and they delivered. My husband ordered an omelet that was tasty as well. What’s neat about this place is that they serve traditional breakfast food, but with a cool little twist.
After brunch, we moseyed on over to do some shopping and check out the art galleries. As an artist myself, I could spend hours in the galleries. I love how so much of the work is Montana themed- it really gives you a sense of our beautiful state. We ended up going into almost every store on Main St. and took our sweet time (because that’s what you have when the kids are with the grandparents).
A. Banks Art Gallary
Hands-down, my favorite restaurant was Open Range. They served me the most amazing duck and my husband one of the best filets I’ve ever had (and I’m a huge steak snob.) The cocktails were tasty and the restaurant was gorgeous. After dinner, we hit up The Rocking R Bar for some good drinks, pool and just a bit of dancing (I had to really bribe my husband for that one).
Open Range
Rocking R Bar
We didn’t get a chance to checkout Bozeman Hot Springs or the Museum of the Rockies, but I heard that both places are a must-see and great for the kids, but as you know- we didn’t have those ;)
Bozeman is only a couple hours from Billings and is a great little weekend getaway. It’s also just outside of Yellowstone National Park! If you’ve ever been to Bozeman, let me know what your favorite places are in the comments!
3 Of Billings Most Luxurious Northwest Neighborhoods
Being a Realtor gives me the unique opportunity to assess many wonderful neighborhoods around Billings, and this week I wanted to highlight three that would serve the wants and needs of those looking to live in a more upscale environment. Nestled in the areas of Northwest Billings, you’ll find the premiere neighborhoods listed below. Each neighborhood offers exquisite properties with unique personalities.
Ironwood Estates
Just 15 minutes from downtown and nestled below the beautiful Rims in the rolling hills, you’ll find some of the most luxurious homes in Billings. The square footage of these homes vary between 4,000-12,000 square feet and the average sales price is in the high $400,000’s with some homes hitting the multi-million dollar mark. Ironwood is one of Billings newer neighborhoods, with the oldest home being built in 2002.
Augusta Ranch
Located just steps from the premier Yellowstone Country club, you’ll find golf course living at its finest! This neighborhood features exclusive patio and estate homes with stunning architecture and beautiful views. All the homes in this neighborhood have been built within the last 14 years and sale between $400,000-$600,000 on average.
Rehberg Ranch
Breathtaking views, nature trails and wildlife! Rehberg Ranch has a unique “western feel” and is just minutes from town. This neighborhood has guidelines that are specifically designed to promote styles that respect and protect the natural environment and minimize the disturbance of the existing terrain. These guidelines help the homes blend seamlessly into the natural setting, and enhance the feeling of the high prairies of Montana. The average sales price in this neighborhood ranges in the mid $400,000's.
These Northwest neighborhoods not only provide incredible homes, views and amenities- they are also a great place to raise a family with excellent schools, parks and shopping nearby. Who said you can’t live luxuriously in the rustic state of Montana?
One Week in Billings Montana!
A big shout out to Andy Austin, one of our local freelance photographers here in Billings for putting this awesome video together. His goal was to break one of the common stereotypes that there’s “nothing to do in Billings”, as well as get rid of the “crazy notion that you can’t have an adventurous lifestyle while working a full time job”. As a working mother of two, I could use the excuse that I just “don’t got no time for dat”, but after watching this, I’m truly inspired and motivated to get out there even more to explore and experience the place I love.
Everything in this video was filmed during a normal 40+ hour workweek and it does wonders in showing some of the exciting things you can experience here. Andy highlights some of our local breweries, pizza, ice-cream parlors and music. His videography is stunning and truly encapsulates the terrain and topography of our city.
So, without further ado- Andy Austin’s One Week in Billings:
6 Reasons Why May Is The Best Time To Sell Your Home
Spring is in the air! The flowers are blooming, Mother’s Day is coming up, and graduation is right around the corner. Another item you may want to add to your list? Putting your home up for sale, specifically in May when homes typically sell faster, and for more money than the national average. If you’re wondering why May is the best time to sell a house, read on!
1) The timing is impeccable with the new school year. If families intend to move, they would really prefer to close on their new home before the end of the summer. Changing school districts after the school year is definitely a challenge. If buyers take the time to search for a home in May, they will most likely be able to close by July or August, giving them a little more time to be settled in before school.
2) Buyers are getting serious. Typically in mid February, buyers are feeling as if they have plenty of time to find their dream home as well as perfectly time their summer move. During this time, they might be more confident in bidding more aggressively and for less than asking price. When May approaches, and if they’ve been burned too many times, these same buyers may begin submitting more competitive offers so they can really seal the deal and be moved in during their ideal time.
3) The weather is absolutely beautiful. Here in Billings, we can have some intense winters (especially this last winter!) and people have a hard time wanting to go house to house in the snow. As soon as the temperatures start warming up and hitting the 60’s, you better believe that people will find any excuse to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Not only that, but your curb appeal will be killer with your nice green yard and blossoming flowers.
4) People haven’t left for their summer vacations yet. Yes, there are plenty of lucky ducks who take off during the summer months to live out their dreams of traveling abroad, or, if we must be realistic, hanging out with the in-laws. Since school is still in session, May is the month to catch them while they’re still around.
5) Tax refunds! Many buyers have a hard time scraping up the money for the costs associated with purchasing a home (down payment, closing costs. etc.). Tax refunds can help lighten the load and also give buyers a clearer picture of their financial situation. Sellers: you can also take advantage of your refund by putting that money towards repairs and sprucing up your home before you list.
6) Spring fever is in the air and the mood is right! Most people are home from their April spring breaks, schools are still in session and taxes have been paid (or, if you’re like me- extensions have been filed!). The sun is shining, the colors are popping, flowers are in bloom and everything is fresh and new. Who wouldn’t be in a home-buying mood?
When do you think the best time to sell is? Let me know in the comments!
Choosing the Right Agent for you!
Choosing the right Real Estate Agent
It’s a big deal. Seriously. It could mean actually purchasing the home of your dreams, the home you never really wanted, or maybe even having the deal fall through all together (not to mention the emotional stress and turmoil it could potentially put you through).
I was inspired to write this blog after having some in depth conversations with one of my closest friends. She is currently under contract on her home, while also being under contract on the home she and her husband fell in love with. I just got off the phone with her (well- Marco Polo….it’s the new thing) and she is terminating her contract with her Realtor as well as the contract on the home they were wanting to purchase (and for good, legal reasons as well).
It all comes down to the beginning; she never really resonated or “jived” with her in the first place. Long story very short, her Realtor represented both sides of the transaction and did not have my friend’s best interest in mind. It got so bad that her agent ended up spraying bleach to “mitigate” the serious mold issue in the crawl space of their new potential home instead of requesting that the seller hire a professional to attend to the job. Crucial contract dates were not met and the lack of communication was…well….lacking, substantially.
My point is this: make sure you are hiring someone you completely resonate with, like and TRUST. This is most likely the biggest financial transaction and life change you will ever make and having the right agent by your side is crucial in making it the experience you want and need it to be. Don’t settle for less, trust your gut and do your research to back it up!
Billings Montana Schools
Montana Winter Wonderland!
As a real estate agent here in Billings, MT I think the most commonly asked question I get from my relocating clients is “How is the weather?” which really translates to “How freaking cold are the winters?”. I mean, we do live in the Northwest so you can expect to invest in a warm coat, gloves, ear muffs, hand warmers and a face mask (OK- it’s not THAT bad…most of the time).
Billings typically has more mild winters than other areas in Montana. We also tend to get less snow and stay a bit warmer. Having said that, this year has definitely been on the frigid side and we have been dumped with the snow. I personally LOVE all of the snow and am still giddy about it even though we are already well into January. A few weeks ago we received over 20” of snow in a 24 hour period breaking a record from 1977! We definitely had ourselves a very White Christmas.
Our sleds from last year took a turn for the worse, so my 6 year old daughter and I had to get creative since we desperately wanted to go sledding (and we weren’t going to wait around for a trip to the store). Although it was a bit tricky to figure out how we could blast down the hill together on my husband’s old snowboard, we quickly figured it out and flew down our neighborhood coulee laughing hysterically- frozen tears and all.
We have about 3 more months before it starts warming up around here, so we are going to make the best of it and enjoy our beautiful winter wonderland.
And yes- do invest in a warm coat (and everything else I mentioned above, just to be safe ;) ).
