The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Archive for the ‘Buying’ Category

The Benefits of a Water Softener

Hard water can make you spend more on repairs, maintenance and energy. Did you know A water softener can improve your skin, make your clothes and appliances last longer, and soft water heats quicker.... more

Missoula Housing Market Continues Steady Recovery

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Low inventory, higher interest rates and a harsh winter have contributed to fewer home sales and a higher median sold price in Missoula this year compared to last year.... more

Testing the Waters–Ensuring the Water You Drink is Healthy

Hard water is the leading water problem in America and, and Missoula and Western Montana are no exception. Here are few things to know about hard water and what to do about it:... more

Hard Water Problems in Missoula

Hard water is the leading water problem in America and, and Missoula and Western Montana are no exception. Here are few things to know about hard water and what to do about it:... more

When it Comes to Mortgages, What’s in a Team?

By TRINA MURPHY - It's college basketball time...and the parallels between basketball and the team work required to get a home mortgage are really quite uncanny. Here's why: ... more

When it Comes to Mortgages, Just Say NO to Acronyms

By TRINA MURPHY - APR, LOE, VOD, TILA, LTV… No wonder folks applying for a mortgage are dazed and confused. Who can blame them? OMG!!!... more

Keep Your Home Safe from Wildfire

It’s that time of year again. Here are some tips to safeguard you, your family and your home from a wildfire. ... more

Keeping Your Home Safe and Secure During Vacation

Each year, there are more than 2.15 million burglaries, over 65 percent of which are residential break-ins, with the majority occurring in the peak vacation months of July and August.... more

It’s the Right Time to Buy…for Some!

We’ve heard the phrase, “It’s a good time to buy,” but what does that really mean? With interest rates under 4%, it’s important that consumers consider the COST of a home and not just the Price.... more

New Housing Trends Show a Rebound

There are mixed messages in terms of real estate growth and an economic recovery, but home sale trends and low mortgage rates, point to a housing turnaround.... more

Missoula Organization of Realtors Reviews 2011

The Missoula Organization of Realtors reviews 2011 to include number of sales, median home prices, and average days on the market for Missoula County homes.... more

Holiday Safety Tips to Keep the Season Merry

By DIANE BECK - Holidays are a time of celebration and fun. However, they have the potential to be a time of increased accidents. Here are some safety tips to keep your holiday season merry.... more

Four Leaf Removal Tools that Clear Yards of Fall Debris

You only need a few essential leaf removal items in your landscape tool collection to accomplish your autumn goal — removing the heavy leaves that smother grass and make your lawn a splotchy mess in spring.... more

Tips for Avoiding Rental Scams

A trend that has developed in the past several years is for these scammers, most often residing overseas, to skim rental property ads or vacant homes for sale and list them for rent at unbeatable prices. ... more

Renting vs Buying: What You Need to Know

The excitement and energy that Missoula’s University of Montana brings also comes with a tradeoff. As a community, we have far more renters than the national average, making the rental market even more compe... more

Water Damage: 8 Ways to Dry Out and Move On

Thanks to heavy snow pack and a wet spring, many of our Missoula neighbors have been dealing with water. While severe cases of flooding will most likely require professional assistance, homeowners can take step... more

Waters Rising in Western Montana

Every few years or so, it seems that Western Montana is in danger of flooding. Many homeowners combat this problem only when waters start to rise but do little to actually prevent the floods from happening or ... more

Protecting the Greatest Investment

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetimes. Considering the upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a de... more

Missoula Seeing Spring Thaw in Real Estate!

While spending is still more responsible than it was prior to the crash, consumers are beginning to feel more confident in their financial security. Folks are shopping, and eating out, and even looking for upg... more

Putting Down Roots

Recently, some have suggested that home ownership is detrimental to families because it makes homeowners less mobile and hinders their ability to move for a new job. Not true.... more

Can You Feel the Buzz?

Perhaps it is the chill in the air, the sunshine, or the wrap up of holiday’s spent with families and loved ones, but members of the Missoula community are experiencing an unmistakable buzz in the air.... more

All Real Estate is Local – Even in Montana

We’ve all heard the national news about housing prices plummeting and foreclosure rates soaring. Fortunately, in most of Montana, we have come through without the astounding foreclosure rates and falling home... more

Missoula Needs Snow Angels

By RYAN NEWHOUSE. As snow has finally blanketed the streets, trails and sidewalks of Missoula, the City and the Bicycle-Pedestrian Program Manager are asking everyone to do their part to keep the sidewalks in ... more

Pet Licenses

Have pets? City and county ordinances require all dogs four months and older to be licensed. Licenses are timed to run concurrently with dog’s rabies vaccinations. New residents must purchase a dog license... more

Voter Registration

If you're new to Missoula or simply need to register to vote, there are a number of places to in the city to complete your voter registration. As our national laws dictate, U.S. citizens may vote in nati... more

Missoula in Motion

Missoulians embrace green living and you'll find sustainable transportation options readily available in the city. Missoula in Motion aims to promote the city’s popular sustainable transportation system and i... more