Slower economic growth will mean more static interest rates and increasing affordability, a new study from Fannie Mae says...BY PATRICK KEARNS

Economic growth is expected to slow in 2019 leading to stabilized home sales and mortgage rates, according to Fannie Mae‘s economic and strategic research group. 

A widening trade deficit and moderation of business investment growth have Fannie Mae’s team predicting that full-year gross domestic product growth (GDP) will slow to a 2.3 percent increase — down from this year’s projected 3.1 percent increase.

Consumer spending will continue to be the largest driver of growth, but in the third quarter of 2018 business investment growth slowed significantly. It could be even further impacted by higher tariffs,

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LAST CHANCE TO BUY IS 12/13

IKON PASS

The Ikon Pass is your opportunity to get unrestricted access to some of the most iconic destinations in the world with absolutely no blackouts. Join a like-minded community, and seek out new adventures as you explore all that the mountains have to offer.

PICK YOUR PASSES

Adult  $1049
(Age 18+)

Teen   $869
(Ages 13-17)

Child   $599
(Ages 5-12)

4 and Under   $29
(Ages 0-4)

Discounts for eligible military and college customers will be applied at checkout.

LIMITED ACCESS, NO BLACKOUTS:

West: The Summit at Snoqualmie (WA)

Rockies: Taos (NM), Deer Valley (UT), Brighton (UT) AltaSnowbird (UT), Jackson Hole (WY), Big Sky Resort (MT), Aspen Snowmass (CO)

Midwest: Boyne

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GREAT NEWS! USDA increases income limits 
USDA’s new, higher household income limits for its Guaranteed Loan program will be in place for the rest of 2018 and likely most of 2019.

The USDA loan program has two key components to determine a homebuyer’s eligibility:

• The property location, which must be located in a USDA-approved rural location.
• The household income, which must fall below a certain limit. The income limit for households of 1–4 members are now $82,700 for most U.S. locations. For households with 5+ members, the limit is $109,150 for most locations. (High-cost locations may permit income limits much higher.) Buyers can look up their income limits by using the USDA income calculator.

Please note that income to determine USDA 

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Your Current SouthWest Montana Market Stats

Engel & Völkers SouthWest Montana

October - 2018

M O N T A N A   L I V I N G

Fall in Bozeman and Livingston We have already had our first snowfall. As we move into winter, the activities and entertainment will soon come alive in the snow. The ski areas will open and the hiking trails will turn to cross-country trails, farmers markets will move indoors and the outside events will be limited to the Christmas Stroll and winter activities. The views have been spectacular this fall despite the early

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At Christmastime, This Montana Town Has The Most Enchanting
Main Street In The Country

There may be Thanksgiving leftovers sitting in your fridge, but it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Montana. And if you happen to be in Bozeman for the holiday season, you’re in luck — the annual Christmas Stroll is coming, and Main Street will be decked out in dazzling decor all month.

Every year, Bozeman's Main Street transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Downtown Bozeman Facebook With the help of some great local sponsors, the Downtown Bozeman Association works hard to decorate and delight. This year's Christmas Stroll will be Saturday, December 2 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Downtown Bozeman Facebook And…

FHFA Announces Maximum Conforming Loan Limits for 2019

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Baseline Limit Will Increase to $484,350

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/27/2018

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced the maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2019.  In most of the U.S., the 2019 maximum conforming loan limit for one-unit properties will be $484,350, an increase from $453,100 in 2018. 

Baseline limit

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) requires that the baseline conforming loan limit be adjusted each year for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to reflect the change in the average U.S. home price.  Earlier today, FHFA published its third

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M O N T A N A   L I V I N G BOZEMAN • LIVINGSTON  • BIG SKY

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us! Thanksgiving means the ski slopes will be open, most years! We are excited to report the following opening dates in Montana:  O P EN I N G D A T ES S K I S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 / 2 0 1 9

ARTICLES OF INTEREST: WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE AND HOW CAN IT BENEFIT YOU? BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN UPDATE REAL ESTATE...BY LAND, BY WATER & BY AIR WANT A GOOD DEAL ON A HOME? BEST DEALS CAN BE FOUND IN DECEMBER

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Want a good deal on a home? Buy in December

Dec. 26 is the day to get the best discount on homes, according to a new study from Attom Data Solutions   BYPATRICK KEARNSStaff Writer  

The day after Christmas is the best day to buy a home if you’re looking for a discount, according to a new study from Attom Data Solutions. Overall December is the best month to buy a home if you’re looking for a deal, the study found.

“People closing on a home purchase Dec. 26 were submitting offers around Thanksgiving and starting their home search around Halloween — likely not a common path to home purchase for most buyers and exactly why it’s the best time to buy,” Daren Blomquist, Attom’s senior vice president

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October 2018

If the last few months are an indication of the temperature of housing markets across the country, a period of relative calm can be expected during the last three months of the year. A trend of market balance is emerging as we approach the end of 2018. Prices are still rising in most areas, and the number of homes for sale is still low, but there is a general shrinking of year-over-year percentage change gaps in sales, inventory and prices.

Closed Sales increased 14.9 percent for Single Family homes but decreased 23.6 percent for Condo/Townhouse homes. Pending Sales decreased 6.3 percent for Single Family homes and 5.0 percent for Condo/Townhouse homes. Inventory decreased 7.5 percent for Single Family homes and 21.7 percent for

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ENGEL & Völkers advises on more than real estate, we also have an aviation and yachting division. Contact your local advisor to inquire.

 

Aircraft sales & acquisitions

Aircraft acquisition

At a certain point, the rationale for purchasing an aircraft becomes greater than the recurring expense of chartering. A general rule is that if you fly around 150 hours a year, charter is your best option. Between 150 and 250, you may wish to consider fractional or shared ownership. And skyward of that, it is time to start thinking about owning.

If your need for business aircraft travel is frequent or routine, we can assist you in analysing opportunities for aircraft investment, aircraft financing (including operating leases), and aircraft

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