Glacier Sotheby's International Realty

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noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:01:00 +0000

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A Winter Party

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:02:00 +0000

I went over to my friends' 300 + acre ranch just four miles south of Bozeman on a sunny Sunday afternoon around 2 p.m. Other guests were arriving for cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and ice skating. As I drove towards the house, crossing a large meadow, 40 head of Elk were laying down. The lead bull was sitting facing the herd and all of the other Elk were facing him. It was a very amazing sight on a glorious warm winter afternoon. I joined my friends skiing on the groomed trails, skiing next to the Spring Creek, crossing Sourdough Creek, and skiing through the trees past an inviting teepee and ending up at the small pond. A bonfire was roaring, cold beer and wine were stuck in the snowbank awaiting the thirsty guests. An ice hockey game was in progress. As the sun set we all entered the large house overlooking a beautiful pond and congregated in the kitchen. Chili was cooking, the fire was warming us all and we felt the glow on our faces from the day. The Abagail Ranch is available for sale so you can host these wonderful parties, call me to get the details.

Vivian Bridaham, Broker-Owner
406-586-4408

Bell Lake

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:32:00 +0000

The Tobacco Root Mountains in southwestern Montana have always eluded me. I have spent years staring at them and only ventured into their terrain once since I moved to Montana almost 10 years ago. This streak broke last weekend when I was fortunate enough to join my fellow backcountry ski partners on a trip to Bell Lake; with rumors of huge peaks, endless terrain and 2 feet of fresh snow. My expectations were immensely exceeded when we finished the 6 mile approach into the Bell Lake basin and the site of the yurt, which would be home for the next 3 days.

Photographer maestro Josh Gage had set up a few days prior and welcomed the rest of us with open arms and photos of the terrain he had been skiing the past few days. Unbelievable to say the least. Our excitement and confidence in the snowpack pushed us high up on Branham Peak right away to a couloir called The Contender. 2,000 feet of 50-60 degree slope, a mere 20 feet wide with hundred foot cliffs on both sides. Gazing back up the line we had skied was overly impressive, perhaps one of the most aesthetic things I have ever skied and only to be witnessed by the herd of 8 mountain goats promenading on the ridgelines above.

With 10 people crammed into a 20 foot in diameter tent, needless to say things were quite cozy. We cooked gourmet meals accompanied with plenty of wine that was carried in conditionally, for this was Valentines Day weekend, and we were with 5 women.

Sunday dawned crystal clear skies and fresh snow throughout the Bell Lake basin. 10 strong, we made our way up to the likes of Bell and Branham peaks, skiing untouched snow throughout the day. Glassing across a valley here and there, sights of our elated crew make their own signatures down pristine lines of powder through rocks, cliffs and chutes brought the feeling of individuality in the mountains and brotherhood together.

Another evening spent in this mountainous paradise chopping firewood, drying out gear, and sharing stories from the day, ever growing in intensity as wine and whiskey bottles pass around and around. This is living, I kept saying to myself, this is what it is all about: Friends and Mountains.

After taking a couple early morning runs down the North face of Bell Peak through a striking couloir splitting the 500 foot rock band, we packed up and braved the steep ski down the canyon through dense forest, passing a crew of folks heading up to share in the glory that is the Bell lake yurt. How was it? they asked. We looked at each other with wide eyed grins, and without much conversation, they knew what they were about to enter. Regrouping at the trucks, sharing high fives and eventually a burger at Café 287 in quaint Harrison, I looked back at the peaks of the southern Tobacco Root range as we drove from the Harrison Valley back towards Bozeman and bid farewell, but not for long.

The Business of Extraordinary Living

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:48:00 +0000

In March 2009, the Sotheby's International Realty brand began an exclusive relationship with The Wall Street Journal as the publication's first true, all-encompassing partner using both digital and print mediums to consistently reach its readers. As part of the partnership, the brand created a microsite called "The Business of Extraordinary Living" on www.wsj.com that features custom content, industry blogs and local market information written by Sotheby's International Realty professionals and The Wall Street Journal writers. It also showcases the brand's significant properties.

In 2010, our partnership with The Wall Street Journal will be taken to the next level with the reintroduction of our Business of Extraordinary Living microsite. This microsite will be enhanced to allow for better engagement of our global affiliate network by providing local content to local users within "The Address" a section of the microsite.

Click here to see the latest news and information posted to our microsite: http://online.wsj.com/ad/sir

Ode to good news

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:34:00 +0000

2009 year end numbers are in and we would like to share them with you...

February 9, 2010, The Bozeman Daily Chronicle; written by Robyn Erlenbush

Each year, we eagerly await the final December home closings to be entered and tallied. Once again, it's time to take our annual market-at-a-glance overview of some key statistics from the real estate happenings of 2009. The data presented in this article is from the Southwest Montana Multiple Listing Service (SWMLS). As important as it is to focus on the complete story, it is also refreshing to spotlight the good news and segments of the market that are leading the recovery in Bozeman. Two principal indicators are favorable: decreasing inventories and increased sales for the fourth quarter. And notably, the inventory levels for homes under $300,000 are at a very healthy supply rate.

For the complete article, flip to page D12 using the following link:

http://pioneer.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/BDChronicle/SaveForOffline.htm?dochref=BDC%2F2010%2F02%2F09&doctitle=Bozeman%20Daily%20Chronicle%20Tuesday%2C%20February%C2%A009%2C%C2%A02010&uniqueid=262593_1265736555671

It's hard work to preserve Montana's soul

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:03:00 +0000

As reported by The Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Saturday, January 30, 2010- Opinion, Bob Ekey, Guest Columnist

Every once in a while it is nice to be reminded that patience and persistence pay off.

I was reminded of that a couple of weeks ago while attending a press conference in Helena where energy companies announced they were retiring decades-old oil and gas leases along the public lands of the Rocky Mountain Front.

The room was full of ranchers from the Front, hunters and anglers, oil company executives, conservationists and representatives of the Blackfeet tribe and we were all celebrating the same thing- the protection of the Front.

For complete article, flip to page A6 using the following link:

http://pioneer.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/BDChronicle/SaveForOffline.htm?dochref=BDC%2F2010%2F01%2F30&doctitle=Bozeman%20Daily%20Chronicle%20Saturday%2C%20January%C2%A030%2C%C2%A02010&uniqueid=569574_1265054337812

A Weekend in Augusta, MT

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:06:00 +0000

This weekend, I drove up to Augusta, Montana on the Rocky Mountain Front. Leaving Bozeman, I drove NW to Helena (the State Capital) and had a delicious lunch at Ernie's Bistro in the Downtown Historic District. As I left, driving north towards Great Falls, about 5 minutes out of town, I felt my shoulders relax. Now becomes the favorite part of my trip; the development ends and the landscape becomes very large ranches and public land all filled with wildlife. You drive along spring creeks, which flow into the Missouri River with great fly fishing around Craig, and through canyons with Bighorn Sheep grazing on the rock walls. Just north of Wolf Creek you take the State Highway and head west. Passing through the famous Dearborn Ranch bordering the state highway for over 14 miles, and crossing the Dearborn River, used by fishermen and rafters.

As you approach the small town of Augusta, about 40 miles from the interstate you catch glimpses of the mountains of odd shapes: Haystack, Sawtooth, Castle Reef and Ear Mountain to the North near Glacier National Park. The mountains seen from Augusta are in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex encompassing 1.5 million acres, the 3rd largest wilderness complex in the U.S. Link to additional information on the complex: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead/wilderness/bmwcomplex.shtml

The small town of Augusta is primarily a ranching and outfitters' town. With services for the area: bars, restaurants and lodging, and a charming store called Latigo and Lace, the town feels a lot like the 1950's and is famous for the great "Augusta Rodeo" held the last weekend in June.

I drove 3.5 miles west of town toward the Wilderness where I own a small ranch that I have just put on the market, "Augusta Wildlands", a spectacular piece of Montana real estate. Link to listing: http://www.thecollectionsir.com/property/augusta-wildlands/ . The 284 acre ranch faces the mountains about 5 miles to the west, and to the north adjoins a section of State Land, used for cattle grazing by the neighboring rancher. The ranch to the east is on the plains, the T Bar Ranch running Red Angus cattle and owning land all the way back to town. The property adjoining mine to the south is a very special house, the old Augusta Railroad Station that was moved out to the 33 acres and restored. It is called "Ringside" and has been published in the Big Sky Journal, Home, and Montana Magazine. It has a wonderful horse set up: a large round pen, stalls, a barn and office all made out of old buildings. It seems to make the mountains even more spectacular with the old barn and round pen in the foreground.

The area is a recreation paradise. The Sun River Game Range is 5 miles to the west, land purchased by the State of Montana for Elk calving and Grizzly Bear habitat. It adjoins the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Willow Creek Reservoir is 2 miles north; great for boating and fishing. Sun Canyon leading to the Wilderness is just 4 miles NW; great for fishing, hiking, horseback riding and hunting.

I have learned after spending time here for 9 years that being close to the Wilderness and over 40 miles away from an Interstate Highway has the most relaxing effect on a person. You suddenly feel muscles relaxing, your mind quieting and just enjoying the peace and quiet. In the Fall I have been walking around the land at dusk and the only sound there is, is the Snow Geese wings flapping as they head to the Willow Creek Reservoir for the night. In the Spring, many birds are nesting or flying through to Canada: Curlews, Artic Terns and Hawks. I feel very fortunate to have experienced this special part of Montana, and learned to feel what Wilderness does to you.

Vivian Bridaham
Broker-Owner
The Collection Sotheby's International Realty

REAL ESTATE CONNECT NYC 2010

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:20:00 +0000

Last week I had the opportunity to be a part of Real Estate Connect New York City: 3 jam-packed days full of the industry's best networking opportunities and the very latest business intelligence. Attracting over 1,300 world class leaders in real estate, technology, lending, title and financial services, this was certainly one of the most exciting conferences I've attended. Presented by Inman News, the information is cutting edge, relevant and informative! For over 13 years, Inman News has been presenting its bi-annual Real Estate Connect conferences in San Francisco and New York City ... I await the next! For additional information on Inman News, visit them online at http://www.inman.com/.

Harriet Kendall
The Collection Sotheby's International Realty
Marketing Coordinator, Office Manager and Sales Associate

MOVING LAND: Appraisal firm predicts slow sales for ranchland

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:40:00 +0000

As reported by Lauren Russell of The Bozeman Daily Chronicle: January 14, 2010

The next year in ranch sales will be like "trench warfare" for weary brokers trying to rebound after a dismal year for recreation-property sales, Clark Wheeler, a Bozeman appraiser, said in his firm's annual presentation to ranch brokers Wednesday.

Wheeler, of Norman C. Wheeler and Associates, told about 100 brokers from the Southwestern Montana Ranch Brokers that sales will probably remain slow for parcels of land larger than 1,000 acres, a sector of the market already struggling before the national financial crisis really took hold in 2008.

"It's going to be like being in the trenches," for brokers trying to sell these properties, Wheeler said. In general, sales volume will probably still be "very, very low."

At its 2006 peak, ranchland in Gallatin County was valued at about $14,000 an acre, Wheeler said, up from almost $7,000 per acre in 2005. A year later, that number had dropped to about $10,500 per acre, then $5,400 in 2008. By 2009, sales of land parcels larger than 160 acres were averaging about $3,800 an acre.

Losses in the value of this land range from 30 to 60 percent, he said. But he pegged overall value losses at 35 percent.

Despite the lower values, land still isn't moving, Wheeler said. Some sellers aren't lowering their list prices. The wealthy out-of-state residents, who historically make up about 90 percent of the ranch sales market, have disappeared. And the prices that these "unknowledgeable" buyers drove up still aren't affordable for most Montanans.

Most of the parcels that have moved in the past six months are priced between $10 million and $30 million, he said.

"Our market has become so dependent on outside buyers and outside wealth that it has created a product that's unavailable to locals," Wheeler said.

The value of agriculture land, however, has remained relatively stable in the central and eastern parts of the state. And, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, cropland values are faring better than those of rangeland and pasture land, which have decreased by as much as 30 percent in the last year.

Wheeler also identified several trends he predicts will emerge in the ranch market this year. New buyers will be looking to make more money off their investments by buying land with greater odds of appreciating, he said. However, fewer people will be snapping up large tracts of land for recreation and development purposes, uses that drove growth around Bozeman, Missoula and Kalispell before the start of the recession.

With the decline in land value, conservation easements are going to become less attractive to landowners, he said. Easements have depreciated along with the rest of the market, and in a time of fewer development pressures, their long-term regulations will cause buyers to pass over them in favor of less-restricted options.

The "saving grace" of the market this year, he said, will probably be land in limited supply, especially properties that border rivers or other water supplies.

"Those are the properties people want," Wheeler said. "Those are the properties that are going to hold because they're unique. There aren't as many of them left."

Greg Fay, of Fay Ranches, said that he thinks sales will improve in the next year as prices even out and buyers who want ranch land for "recreation, esthetics and a place to take their families," begin trickling back into the market.

"The property that is adjusting to the market is getting interest," he said. The flagging real estate market is also driving out brokers, which Don Vaniman, an independent broker and president of the Southwestern Montana Ranch Brokers Association, said is a good thing for the ones remaining.

When the market was booming, people with little experience got into the ranch sales business to make quick money. But with the bust, the association's membership has been cut in half, Vaniman said. "It's a good thing for the ones who are sticking with it," he said.

MUSEUM OF THE ROCKIES CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY BALL

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:51:00 +0000

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, January 13th for the 20th Anniversary Museum Ball to be held at the Museum of the Rockies on Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 6-11 pm in the museum's newly renovated lobby and galleries.

"Museum Ball patrons make it possible for every school child - be it from public, private, home or tribal schools - from throughout Montana to visit the museum for free as part of our Opening Doors for Montana School children program," said Iris Model, event Co-Chair. "We even help schools with travel costs." Since the inception of the private fund to support this program in 2005, the Museum Ball has raised $195,475 and as a result welcomed 37,366 school children to the museum.

"We are delighted to pay homage to Klein and Karen Gilhousen as Honorary Chairs for this year's Museum Ball in recognition of their generosity in supporting not only the Museum, but worthy causes through the Bozeman community," explained Penny Hatten, co-chair of the event.

In keeping with the Valentine's Day theme, each ticket sold comes with a chance to win a diamond from Alara Jewelry worth $4,600. "It's one way for us to thank the people who support the museum and its mission," added Hatten.

The evening's buffet will be catered by Bountiful Table with entertainment and dancing provided by Jeni Fleming and the Glen Johnston Swing Band. The live auction features unique opportunities such as a behind-the-scenes tour at People Magazine with a chance to sit in on a layout of a cover story, a chance to be a DJ for a day at My 103.5, and dinner with Dr. Waded Cruzado, MSU's new president, in her home. A complete listing of silent and live auction items is available on the website and interested people can bid remotely without attending the event.

Open seating tickets are $150 per person for Museum members and $175 per person for non-members and includes dancing, food, and an open bar. A portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible. Childcare is available through the Ridge.

For more information visit the Museum of the Rockies website at http://www.museumoftherockies.org/

2009 Market Analysis

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:51:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

The 2009 MLS (Multiple Listing Service) numbers are in and although it looks like we have regressed to sale prices comparable to those in 2003, and many homeowners have found themselves in dire straits, there are some terrific buying opportunities at all price ranges in Southwest Montana. Buyers are looking for tremendous value and listing prices continue to recede; maybe not at the rate that buyers would like to see, or that sellers are comfortable with, but they do continue to fall. With the US Government Tax Credit incentives for first time home buyers, and "repeat" buyers (for more info: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html ), we anticipate that the beginning of 2010 will show an increase in sales volume, and if our predictions are correct, we will be set for solid demand and stable to improving home prices in 2010 and beyond.

With a few days of the New Year under our belt, we remain positive and look forward to what the year has in store for us!

We would like to share the following analysis with you:

The following statistics are based on the Gallatin Valley:

We consider $1-$1.899 million the residential "luxury market" and $1.9 million+ the "high-end" of our residential luxury market. The following data was pulled from the Multiple Listing Service.

TOTAL NUMBER of RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD OVER $1 MILLION
2006:29
2007:30
2008:25
2009:10

NUMBER of RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD for $1.9 MILLION and UP
2006:29
2007:4
2008:6
2009:2

TOTAL "SOLD" MARKET VALUE of ALL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD OVER $1 MILLION
2006: $50.898M
2007: $43.985M
2008: $46.477M
2009: $18.384M

TOTAL "LIST" VALUE of ALL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD OVER $1 MILLION
2006: $54.694M
2007: $47.808M
2008: $52.318M
2009: $21.134M

TOTAL "SOLD" MARKET VALUE of RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD for $1.9 MILLION and UP
2006: $21.769M
2007: $9.175M
2008: $22M
2009: $7.75M

TOTAL "LIST" VALUE of RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD for $1.9 MILLION and UP
2006: $24.034M
2007: $10.295M
2008: $25.75M
2009: $8.685M

HIGHEST RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
2006: $4.25M
2007: $2.5M
2008: $6.75M
2009: $5.5M

The following is a comparison of the median list and sold prices (average found by arranging the values in order and then selecting the one in the middle) of properties that sold over $1 million:

Median List Price
2006- $1.6 million
2007- $1.525 million
2008- $1.565 million
2009- $1.625 million

Median Sold Price
2006- $1.5 million
2007- $1.385 million
2008- $1.325 million
2009- $1.397 million

The following is a comparison of the average list and sold prices of properties that sold over $1 million:

Average List Price
2006- $1.886 million
2007- $1.595 million
2008- $2.092 million
2009- $2.113 million

Average Sold Price
2006- $1.755 million
2007- $1.465 million
2008- $1.859 million
2009- $1.397 million

Average Days on the Market
2006- 114
2007- 151
2008- 239
2009- 261

Primary Residence of Luxury Buyers ($1.9 million and up)

2006- Montana: 2 Nevada:1 New Jersey: 1 California: 1 Connecticut: 2
2007- Montana: 3 Wyoming: 1
2008- Montana: 3 California: 1 Tennessee: 1 Maryland: 1
2009- Montana: 7 Wyoming: 1 Texas: 1 Ohio: 1

In regards to sales of vacant land/acreage in the Gallatin Valley, 19 properties sold in 2009. 5 of these properties sold in the $650,000- $1 million range. The median sale price was $285,000 and the properties sold for 87% of asking price. In 2008, 24 properties sold in this price range with a median price of $346,000.

The following statistics are based on Park County:

We consider $500K - $899K to be the luxury market and $900K+ to be the top of the "residential" luxury market in Park County. The following statistics will be based on these ranges and were pulled from the Multiple Listing Service.

TOTAL NUMBER of RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD OVER $500,000
2006: 15
2007: 13
2008: 14
2009: 6

NUMBER of RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD for $900,000 and UP
2006: 5
2007: 5
2008: 6
2009: 2

TOTAL "SOLD" MARKET VALUE of ALL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD OVER $500,000
2006: $12.108M
2007: $10.787M
2008: $11.476M
2009: $6.441M

TOTAL "LIST" VALUE of ALL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD OVER $500,000
2006: $13.014M
2007: $11.489M
2008: $12.923M
2009: $7.584M

TOTAL "SOLD" MARKET VALUE of RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD for $900,000 and UP
2006: $5.970M
2007: $5.562M
2008: $6.542M
2009: $4.050M

TOTAL "LIST" VALUE of RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD for $900,000 and UP
2006: $6.238M
2007: $5.801M
2008: $7.582M
2009: $4.8M

HIGHEST RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
2006: $1.5M
2007: $1.5M
2008: $1.187M
2009: $3M

The following is a comparison of the median list and sold prices (average found by arranging the values in order and then selecting the one in the middle) of properties that sold for $500K or more:

Median List Price
2006- $779K
2007- $895K
2008- $840K
2009- $797K

Median Sold Price
2006- $680K
2007- $800K
2008- $756K
2009- $687,500K

The following is a comparison of the average list and sold prices of properties that sold over $500K:

Average List Price
2006- $867K
2007- $883K
2008- $923K
2009- $1.264 million

Average Sold Price
2006- $807
2007- $829
2008- $819
2009- $1.073 million

Average Days on the Market
2006- 166
2007- 156
2008- 285
2009- 201

Primary Residence of Luxury Buyers ($900,000 and up)
2006- Montana: 2 Florida: 1 New York: 2 Oregon: 1
2007- Montana: 1 Florida: 2 California: 1 Missouri: 1
2008- Montana: 3 California: 1 Tennessee: 1 Maryland: 1
2009- Montana: 1 Georgia: 1

In regards to sales of vacant land/acreage in Park County, 21 properties sold in 2009; $438,500 being the highest sale price (this property was listed at $754,000). The median sale price was $120,000, and on average, these properties sold for approximately 13% below asking price. In 2008, 32 properties sold, with a high sale price of $1.15 million, and a median sale price of $119,500. On average, these properties sold for approximately10% below asking price.

Despite the fallen real estate market, The Collection Sotheby's International Realty ranked among the top 10% of real estate firms affiliated with the Multiple Listing Service in 2009.

Landmines on road to recovery

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Forecasts: home sales will grow despite anemic economy- As reported by Matt Carter, Inman News, December 30, 2009

Real estate agents and brokers typically look forward to spring as the season where homebuyers come out in force and sales pick up. In 2010, the uncertainty created by the financial crisis makes it harder to bank on a seasonal uptick in sales -- particularly in markets hit hard by unemployment. Further complicating matters down the road are three potentially destabilizing events that are expected to occur in a tight timeframe during the spring buying season:

- At the end of March, the Federal Reserve is expected to wind up a $1.25 trillion program that's kept mortgage rates low.
- The Federal Housing Administration's announcement that it plans to tighten underwriting standards could take effect as soon as April.
- Congress is expected to allow the newly expanded homebuyer tax credit to expire, closing the door on buyers not under contract by April 30 and closing by June 30.

Economists must rely on a certain amount of guesswork in predicting what impact these changes will have when drawing up their forecasts for 2010. Many expect unemployment won't peak until next year, and it's almost certain mortgage rates can only go up from record lows. But housing was hammered so badly, and for so long, that most forecasters expect housing prices to stabilize and sales to pick up in 2010, even if economic growth doesn't spring back as fiercely as it usually does in a recovery.

"We are definitely in a recovery now, but this has been such a severe recession -- we think the financial crisis and the credit retrenchment that's occurred means this is going to be a fairly anemic recovery," said Michael Fratantoni, the Mortgage Bankers Association's vice president of research. America has moved from a manufacturing to service-based economy, meaning "there's not as much potential for a snapback" from a recession like the Reagan-era boom of the 1980s, Fratantoni said.

Read more: http://www.inman.com/news/2009/12/30/landmines-road-recovery?page=0%2C0

Upcoming Events at The Ellen Theatre

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Dear Friends of The Ellen,

After their concert, the first thing the brilliantly talented members of Solas asked was, "When can we come back?" The Irish folk ensemble thoroughly enjoyed their reception and you are all earning the reputation within the world of traveling performers of being a terrific crowd. It was impressive how much music those five people were able to create and, if you missed Solas, The Ellen is already working on having them return next year.

In regard to other future concerts, there are a couple of dates to keep in mind for 2010. John Jorgenson will be here Saturday, February 27 and Leon Redbone is scheduled for Thursday, April 15. Ray Templin is also in the works and tickets for all of these events will be on sale soon.

"A Christmas Story" is an annual tradition at The Ellen, and this year, there will be a live stage version, complete with leg lamp, Scut the bully and Aunt Clara's bunny suit. Twelve hysterical performances of this family favorite start December 4 and run right up until December 23. Last year, there were sold-out audiences for the final two weekends of "A Christmas Carol," so I would encourage you to purchase tickets early. And, as promised, tickets remain only $12 and $16, depending on seat location.

http://www.theellentheatre.com

Projects Await Federal Funds- Money for downtown blast site, airport interchange, Livingston bridge included in spending bill

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:35:00 +0000

As reported by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The downtown Bozeman blast site, the Ninth Street Island Bridge in Livingston and the proposed I-90 interchange at the airport all stand to get a boost from the $1.1 trillion spending bill sent to President Barack Obama on Sunday.

According to Montana's senators, $974,000 is earmarked in the appropriations bill for the city of Bozeman's downtown explosion recovery project, which will go to help property owners affected by the March 5 blast rebuild. Another $1.46 million is tapped to go toward the building of an interchange on I-90 that would make it easier to get to Gallatin Field from the interstate. And, $608,000 is slated to go to restoring the Ninth Street Island Bridge, damaged by high water in the Yellowstone River in June 2008. The Senate passed the bill, 57-45, on Sunday, and it now awaits Obama's signature. Both Montana Senators, Democrats Max Baucus and Jon Tester, voted for the bill. In total, projects in the Bozeman area are set to get almost $5 million in federal dollars from this spending bill, which funds several areas of the federal budget, including transportation, urban development and financial services.

Blast site improvements
According to Baucus' office, the downtown recovery appropriation will go toward maintaining the historic integrity of downtown Bozeman.The March 5 natural gas explosion destroyed several historic buildings on Main Street and severely damaged several more. One of the damaged buildings, the Osborne Building, is more than 100 years old and set to be demolished because of the high cost associated with making the current building safe again.The Baucus office said city officials are forming a board to look into how best the money could help business owners rebuild in "historically appropriate" ways.

I-90 interchange
The $1.5 million appropriation comes atop $8 million in previous federal earmarks, said Larry Watson, grants and projects administrator for Gallatin County. In total, the project, which has been in the works for several years, would put a new interchange on I-90 to allow drivers to get off the interstate at Alaska Road. It would make getting to the airport easier, but will also cost about $40 million, Watson said. Before the $1.5 million appropriation was announced, funding to complete the project was still between $14 million and $15 million short, he said. The latest appropriation will likely go toward design or land acquisition costs, he said.

Ninth Street Island Bridge
Flooding in June 2008 weakened the Ninth Street Island Bridge, and Livingston residents have been driving on a temporary Bailey bridge to access a small neighborhood on an island in the Yellowstone River. Marty Malone, a Park County commissioner, said engineers estimate that a new, permanent bridge will cost $800,000. That makes the $600,000 appropriation significant."It's going to go a long ways," he said. Malone said the county hopes to have the new bridge in place by mid-2010.

Other appropriations
Also receiving appropriations, according to Tester's and Baucus' offices:- The Livingston Railroad Grade Separation Undercrossing: $584,400, to "prevent the imminent failure of the transportation corridor and enhance public safety response time to a heavily populated area."- The Gallatin County Treatment Court expansion: $185,000, to "allow the court to expand the capacity of its program by adding case management, mental health access, treatment access, and housing and education assistance."- TechRanch's Technology Venture Center: $137,500 to help TechRanch expand its Bootstrapping program and "expand its reach into clean and renewable energy start-ups across the state."- Montana State University - High-Technology Assistance Program for Micro & Nano-Technologies: $133,000 to assist Montana high-technology businesses adopt micro- and nanotechnologies to improve their products and increase their competitiveness.- Prospera: $200,000 to help fund a training program that focuses on specialized business technical assistance and training to Montana entrepreneurs and companies.

The Collection Sotheby's International Realty Participates in Luxury Real Estate Conference

noreply@blogger.com (the collection) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:21:00 +0000

The Collection Sotheby's International Realty, a luxury real estate firm based in Bozeman, MT, recently participated in the 5th Annual Sotheby's International Realty Leadership Forum.

This dynamic, three-day event provided a unique opportunity for Sotheby's International Realty brokers, owners and managers to network and share best practices.

"The annual Leadership Forum provides a great value to our firm," said Vivian Bridaham, Broker-Owner of The Collection Sotheby's International Realty. "It offers the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with an outstanding group of professionals from all over the world. This year, we left with a clear understanding of how we can position ourselves for success as market conditions improve."

The networking event was held Oct. 26 to 28 at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson, Jersey City, N.J.

The Collection Sotheby's International Realty, which services the Gallatin, Madison and Paradise Valley's, offers exclusive Sotheby's International Realty marketing, advertising and referral services designed to attract well-qualified buyers to the firm's property listings. In addition, the firm and its clients benefit from an association with the Sotheby's auction house, which promotes real estate referral opportunities with auction house clientele.

As a Sotheby's International Realty affiliate, the firm also has the unique ability to refer its real estate clientele to the auction house for jewelry, art, unique furniture and collectible appraisal services. Property listings from The Collection Sotheby's International Realty also are marketed on the http://www.sothebysrealty.com/ global Web site, as well as on the firm's local Web site, http://www.thecollectionsir.com/.

"The Leadership Forum represents a unique opportunity for Sotheby's International Realty affiliates to gather and share their collective insights and experiences," said Michael R. Good, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. "This year's conference included presentations on revenue growth strategies and the effective use of social media."

The Collection Sotheby's International Realty is located at 106 E Babcock, Suite B, Bozeman, MT. For additional information, please contact 406-586-4408.