Californians set sights on Montana

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, California is experiencing a decline in net migration—a trend that has increased every year since 2014. The chief reason? A high cost of living, particularly in terms of affordable housing; the average house in 2019 costs a whopping $550,000 in 2019, up from $300,000 in 2012. Suddenly, Americans who may have historically driven through or flown over the Treasure State are seeing appeal in the relatively low costs of living coupled with low population density and natural splendors. Between 2016 and 2018, according to NBC Montana, 15,611 Californians moved to Montana, while 6,562 Montanans moved to California during the same timespan. Californians are paying for it: a 20-foot U-Haul

https://www.prosperamt.org//uploads/2019-Economic-Profile-website.pdf

Experts predict mortgage rates will stay low for the foreseeable future. 

By Aly J. Yale Senior Contributor Real Estate Forbes.com

Mortgage rates logged their lowest monthly average in over three years last month, and it seems it wasn’t just a blip on the radar. According to three industry forecasts, the trend toward low mortgage rates, slowing home price growth and increased housing construction will continue well into 2020.

Just yesterday, Freddie Mac reported an average 3.65% rate on 30-year, fixed-rate loans—a whopping 1.06% downslide since just one year ago. Looking at forecasts from the company, as well as from economists at Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association, it appears low mortgage rates will persist.

BOZEMAN, MT (August 23, 2019).  Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is pleased to announce more service to 16 destinations from BZN this winter.  Overall available seats for the November - April period are expected to increase approximately 5.2% over the previous winter record set in winter 2018/19.  The following is a preview of the winter flight schedules offered by destination as of 8/23/19 (schedules subject to change):  Flight Schedule

American to add daily service to Los Angeles (LAX) and Saturday only service to New York LaGuardia (LGA) and Philadelphia (PHL) for summer 2020

I recently came across a property that hit my price range in my email from the listing agent. It had been priced at $800,000 and now was down to $675,000. I had already purchased a parcel to build a home, but in retrospect, this would have been perfect for what we wanted to do with the property.  I let the listing agent know that loved the property, regretted missing it and that I would love to help market it, even though it was listed outside of our office. We need more inventory as a majority of what we had to market was now pending or sold.   

Pricing is not a black and white process. If you had 3 different appraisals, you would get 3 different appraised values. If you speak to 3 Realtors, you will get 3 different prices. A lot of times sellers price

We are so excited to announce our 4th Southwest Montana shop in the Billings area led by Shawna Morales. Shawna has been in real estate for over 14 years starting in Scottsdale, Arizona and landing in Billings. As both a buyer and a seller of both residential and investment properties, I can guide my client through the process with knowledge and confidence. Shawna works hard for clients to ensure they are getting the most accurate information to make an educated decision about their real estate transaction. Shawna has also worked alongside her husband, who is a seasoned contractor, and together they have bought, remodeled and sold investment properties throughout the Billings area.

The Billings Shop will cover the following markets: Billings, Lockwood,

I think it is fascinating to learn how or why someone started their company or ended up in their role. I have been so impressed with OnX Map and then learned about "MeatEater" through the app. If you haven't discovered this excellent aid in hunting/ranching, check it out! Both are based in Bozeman.

The OnX Map Story - Born in Montana

Driving west in Montana is an adventure of changing landscapes. The scenery shifts from vast, amber plains of sagebrush into thick forests and mountains. Rivers weave through valleys and elk and deer feed in hay fields.

Hunting entails hiking steep hills, glassing for antlers through trees and navigating private ranch land. This was the alien world onX founder Eric Siegfried found himself in. He thrived in the eastern

I am often amazed what is being created in our backyard...lasers and photonics that find homes in Time Square for everyone to see, a bronze of the world at the Chamber of Commerce in Spartanburg, SC, pharmaceuticals to address the Norovirus now owned by a Japanese company and recycled pet toys sold worldwide. 

Here are more Montana based companies on the rise...

On another note, within a year of competing, the top seven companies from the 2018 Early Stage Montana cohort have raised more than $6 million in growth capital and created more than 20 new jobs. Pat LaPointe, Early Stage Montana Board Chairman and managing director of Frontier Angels, expects even more from the newly-announced 2019 program finalists.

On November 7, the finalist companies

An Alaskan brown bear plunges into a swarm of salmon. For coastal brown bears, fish make up a significant portion of their diet, as they consume thousands of pounds each per year. PHOTO BY ROBERT HAWTHORNE

Bozeman photographer documents Alaskan bears

By Bella Butler EBS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

BIG SKY – It was too late for retreat when Robert Hawthorne, a Montana native raised in the landlocked Rocky Mountains, realized he had misjudged the tide. After spending 10 hours in the tidal mudflats off the west coast of Alaska photographing brown bears digging for razor clams, he rushed to make a futile attempt to return to his boat, which was anchored a half mile

Schedulicity, a Bozeman, Mont.-based online platform for consumers to schedule appointments, classes and workshops in more than 50 industries, raised $22m in funding.

Unnamed private investors participated in the round.

The company intends to use the funds to launch of a new payment processing platform, conduct an upcoming consumer-facing brand campaign, as well as grow at the company’s Bozeman, Montana headquarters.

Led by Jerry Nettuno, Founder and CEO, Schedulicity is an online platform to discover and schedule appointments, classes and workshops in more than 50 industries. From beauty and salon services, spa, skincare, massage, fitness and more, the app allows people to connect with the right providers in more than 9,000 cities. With