Interest Rates have been dropping lately due to global economic concerns sending bond prices up. They range between 3.75-4.25% currently. The Feds have also announced no more rate changes for the year. Rates aren't directly affected by the Fed Rate hikes contrary to popular belief, they are a result of the 10-year treasury.

Interest rates are determined by three forces:

  1. The first is the Federal Reserve, which sets the fed funds rate. That affects short-term and variable interest rates.
  2. The second is investor demand for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds. That affects long-term and fixed interest rates.
  3. The third force is the banking industry. They offer loans and mortgages that can change interest rates depending on business needs. 

The…

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

March is the promise of Spring!

Wow! Did we get a lot of snow recently! We have had record levels all at one time, but should be on par for a good runoff when the cumulative amount melts. Rafting should be as fun as last year, fishing will need to wait, hiking will be muddy for a little while and the wildflowers will again be colorful and expansive. Let us know if you are coming for a visit, we have a special rate with our local Hilton Garden Inn and some vacation rentals options in multiple areas. 

S K I & S N O W   R E P O…

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Global real estate company recognizes its top advisors at their annual Exchange Conference  
(March 5, 2019)
Engel & Völkers recognized its top advisors of Engel & Völkers at its annual event, Exchange at The Chateau Elan. Local Realtors in the Bozeman and Big Sky shops received five awards for production.

PollyAnna Snyder of Engel & Völkers Bozeman, License Partner, and Managing Broker was awarded the top level recognition of Chairman's Circle as well as #4 in the Americas for the number of transactions. PollyAnna has been a top producer since she entered the industry and is a partner and Private Office Advisor with Engel & Völkers. Private Office Advisors are an elite group with the global brokerage firm that represents the brand in more than 30…

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A Year of Strong Growth
By Patrick M. Barkey, Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana

The state of Montana turned in a strong revenue growth performance for the fiscal year 2018, which ended in June of last year. The 13.7 percent increase in general fund revenues over the previous year’s totals was aided by strong growth in the individual income tax, which accounts for more than half of the general fund total. There was also vigorous growth in corporate income taxes and in a wide variety of natural resource and tourism-related revenues.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law by President Donald Trump in December of 2017 appears to have provided a positive shock to Montana businesses and households as lower tax rates and…

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