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May 2016
Believe in Better:
PLANS THAT FIT
Residential communities that offer a variety of life-style choices are gaining popularity across the U.S.  Not all home buyers share the same interests and needs and price is not the only determining factor when making a well-thought-out decision when it comes to choosing a house that "fits." At Mountain View Meadows, "lifestyle" plays a key role in plan development.  As Director of Design, Rebecca Ryland spends hours searching the Internet for ideas for new plans as well as custom designing floorplans based on contemporary trends and feedback from home buyers.  Annual research as to what homebuyers want and what homebuyers expect help determine what plans move forward in the development process.  "It's important to keep a variety of plans available to provide something for almost everyone," said Ryland.  "But along with variety, it is our goal to develop plans that reflect the interests of the up and coming buyers who want a home that requires less time and maintenance, one that fills the desire for living a healthy and active lifestyle and one that meets a growing interest in conserving natural resources."  Research also reflects the growing trend towards greater interaction with neighbors.  A recent article in Builder Magazine online stated that the importance of the link between the interior home and the exterior cannot be overstated.  Sphere Trending reported on the rise of "Streetside Living" over a decade ago, whereby homeowners are looking to reach out to their neighbors for more real time interactions.  According to the article, the front porch continues to be a top rated amenity for today's homeowner in both new builds and remodels.  At Mountain View Meadows, front porches are considered a key amenity in better home plans and play an essential role in new plan development. "Not everyone wants the same house," said Ryland, "but some amenities just seem to fit most home buyers like a glove."
Building a Better Community
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Simply put, Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children by adding another positive adult to their lives in the form of a mentor.  Part of a national organization, the Helena based program strives to make meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers and children ages 6 through 18. It is the mission of the organization to develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.  Through the generosity of a variety of funding sources including individual donors, corporations, governmental entities, and foundations, Big Brothers Big Sisters is able to carry out its mission which includes conducting background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety. Donor support also allows the organization to provide ongoing support for children, families, and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships which are key to successful mentoring. Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven by independent research to improve children's odds for succeeding in school, behaving nonviolently, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and breaking negative cycles. This coming Saturday, May 7, Big Brothers Big Sisters will host its annual "Wine Crush & A Taste of Helena" fundraising event at the Helena Civic Center from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM.  Each year over 400 people attend the benefit touted as Helena's premiere wine and food tasting event. The "Wine Crush & A Taste of Helena" features winemakers from around the globe, culinary delights from Helena's finest restaurants and music by Big Daddy's Little Girl.  $75 advanced tickets may be purchased at Island Liquor & Topper's Cellar or by visiting www.winecrushhelena.org.  Tickets are also available at the door for $85.  For additional information call 406.442.7479.
On Topic:
HOME OWNER'S ASSOCIATIONS: PROS & CONS
Nationally syndicated housing and real estate columnist Lew Sichelman in a recent article for
New Home Source said that home owner associations are often viewed as a necessary evil.  But according to Sichelman, research shows that owners are far more satisfied with their associations than not.
     Home owner associations represent and enforce covenants, conditions and restrictions which are legally binding documents filed with real property records, which provide for building, maintaining, and using the homes in a neighborhood. So why do so many homeowners buy their homes with CC& R's?  Perhaps they liked the curb appeal of the house or its floor plan, but they most assuredly considered the entire neighborhood -- how the house looked next door as well as down the street.         Purchasers make a decision to buy into a lifestyle and surroundings which include so many things outside the home itself, encompassing everything from the subdivision entries, the recreation amenities, to the general condition of all the other homes in the neighborhood. They purchased with an expectation that their property and those in their community would be protected by restrictions and maintained to a certain reasonable standard. 
    "As a general rule," said Sichelman, "three-quarters of all new developments come with an owner association of one kind or another. Typically, these projects feature not just well-designed houses but also more efficient land planning and a host of amenities from tennis courts to walking trails... and wide-open green spaces that other communities don't or can't offer."
     According to the Community Associations Institute (CAI), a non-profit dedicated to building better communities, some 62 million people live in an estimated 315,000 association-governed communities, from townhouses and condos to detached single-family homes to apartments as well as in master-planned communities which encompass all kinds of housing. "With that many people coming under the umbrella of an association," says Sichelman, "there are bound to be some malcontents, as well as those who have legitimate grievances."
     According to independent research conducted for the CAI by IBOPE Zogby International, seven out of 10 people who live under owner associations are happy with their communities and only 8 percent expressed some level of discontent.  According to the research, neighborhood attractiveness was cited as the number one "pro" of a home owner's association while less maintenance for individual owners, community safety and property values also had high marks.
    "Still," says Sichelman, "the Internet is filled with complaints of overly aggressive, unresponsive associations.  But while some gripes certainly have merit, and courts have occasionally said an association has overstepped its bounds, they often are filed largely by people who just didn't get their way."
    When asked by Zogby to name the worst aspects of their associations, 15 percent named restrictions on exterior improvements as their chief complaint, while 9 percent said paying dues or assessments to cover their share of the services and amenities provided by the association.
Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
1.  Thank you to all of you who helped locate the owner of an Irish Setter found near the MVM office last week.  This beautiful family pet from East Helena had found its way back to Mountain View Meadows after playing with other dogs at the Scentral Bark Dog Park.  Looks like it's not just people that love the park with all its outstanding amenities!  But it is a reminder that your pets need controlled at all times and that a dog tag with your pet's name and address may save you a trip to the animal shelter or a hefty fine from animal control.
 
2.  It's time to turn on your water for your underground watering systems.  Although there are several local companies that you can contact to assist with getting your UG system going in the spring, Pro-line Curbs installed many of the systems in Mountain View Meadows.  You can reach Proline at [email protected] or by calling R.J. Gustafson at 406.439-2577.
New Homes For Sale, Plans to Build
Build to Suit
A choice of new homes to meet your lifestyle and budget are ready for move-in at Mountain View Meadows with more under construction.  Visit our Information & Sales Office at 431 S. Alice Street to tour our right-now homes, view plans to build and check out lot maps.  Have your own plan? Give us a call at 406-449-0800 to arrange a meeting.  The availability of new homes and lots is subject to change so check back often. Below is a listing of some of the new homes ready for move-in or currently under construction. 
Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
2946 Big Timber Loop: New 5BD/3.5BA Featuring European-style Bar-Tile Roof  -- Hardy Plank Siding -- Solid Wood Floors -- Tiled Entry, Kitchen & Baths -- Honed Granite Countertops Throughout -- Main Level Office/Formal Dining -- 17' Stone Fireplace -- Central Vac -- Wet Bar Lower Level Family Room -- Luxurious Carpeting -- Custom Designed Open Stairway -- Tons of Natural Sunlight -- Hand-wiped Alder Doors & Trim -- Oversized 2-car Garage with Storage Room -- Owners' Entrance -- Outdoor Living Space -- Fully-Landscaped Yard with Living Rear Fence -- MLS #290812. $499,900 but considering reasonable offers.
Antelope Trace at Mountain View Meadows
2780 Favor Loop: Known for their rustic natural finishes, this new home built by family owned and operated Grewett Construction, comes complete with A.C., full landscaping and UG sprinkler system. Ready for move-in, this 4 Bedroom, 2113 Sq. Ft. home features great upper-level views of the Elkhorn Mountains. Priced at $289,900, now is the time to stop by the Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice St. and we'll walk you over for a personal tour.
2765 Stacia: 1811 S.F. 3BD/2.5BA currently under construction by Weatherall Builders. This 2-story home features an open floor plan down with a generous upstairs family room where the kids' toys stay out of sight from guests. Granite counter-tops and tiled entry set off this lovely new home. $234,900. For additional information contact realtor David Torgerson, broker, at 406-459-8565. Now is the time to call to choose your colors!
Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
2811 Alexis: The Rancher. Well underway, this new Sierra Custom Homes new construction is just the ticket for you and your family with its location directly across from Mountain View Park. This 1836 S.F. single-story 3BD/2BA home features a generous front porch, a covered side outdoor living space, granite countertops, laminate flooring, an upgraded cabinet package and stainless steel appliances. Contact Dawn Purvis at Century 21 for more information. $269,900. MLS#293976.
2847 Alexis: The Coach House. 3BD/2BA New Construction just getting started on this dream home for the buyer who wants lots of garage space for all your toys and little yard maintenance so you have time to enjoy them! This 3BD/2BA Weatherall built home features a 3-car rear garage and an inviting front porch with beautiful craftsman columns. Price includes front yard landscaping with UG water system and a landscaped rear border along the paved carriage lane (alley). With nearly 1500 Sq. Ft., this new home is unbelievably priced at only $249,900. For information call 449-0800.
491, 493 & 495 S. Alice St.: "The Townhomes" Condos. A brand new condo building under construction featuring two single-story units with a 2-story in-between. The 2BD/2BA single-story units feature a covered private outdoor living space. All three condos come with their own 2-car garage and an inviting front porch with low monthly dues that provide care-free exterior maintenance so you can have more free time to enjoy all that Montana has to offer. One of the single-story condos is sold, but there's still time to stake your claim on the other, and if you prefer, the 1812 S.F. 3BD/2.5BA 2-story with its huge loft space will provide the room you want to spread out! For additional information contact Dawn Purvis at 406-439-6380.

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Mountain View Meadows | 406-449-0800 | [email protected] | http://www.MVMeadows.com
431 S. Alice Street
Helena, MT 59601
In This Issue
The Best in Our
Neighborhood
SINGLE-FAMILY NEIGHBORHOODS HOA LEADERSHIP
The Votes are in and the results final.  Seven of your neighbors have stepped up to do their part to represent your best interests, to keep your neighborhoods looking beautiful and to protect your home investment.  Thank you to all who volunteered or were volunteered to run.  The winners are as follows:
PRESIDENT:  
Dave Gates
VICE PRESIDENT:  
Armando Oropeza
SECRETARY: 
Mike Bruce
TREASURER: 
Damara King
SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE:
Roberta Lawson
Phyllis Michelson
Bryon Beniger
Eugene Hermanson, ex officio member
Welcome to the
Neighborhood
Luis & Alejandra Zendejas and son Alexander --
Purchased a wonderful Sierra Custom Garden Home in Craftsman Village!

Sean & Leyna Nguten --
Purchased a gorgeous home in Antelope Trace built by Casteel Construction!

Congratulations! 
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
Fun & Fitness
KIDS & EXERCISE*
For kids, exercise means playing and being physically active. Kids exercise when they have gym class at school, during recess, at dance class or soccer practice, while riding bikes, or when playing tag. Kids who are active will:
  • have stronger muscles and bones
  • have a leaner body because exercise helps control body fat
  • be less likely to become overweight
  • decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
  • lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
  • have a better outlook on life
Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better. They're also better able to handle physical and emotional challenges - from running to catch a bus to studying for a test.
 
Endurance, strength and flexibility are the three elements of fitness. Parents should encourage their kids to do a variety of activities so that they can work on all three elements.
 
Endurance develops when kids regularly get aerobic activity. During aerobic exercise, the heart beats faster and a person breathes harder. When done regularly and for extended periods of time, aerobic activity strengthens the heart and improves the body's ability to deliver oxygen to all its cells.  Examples of aerobic activities include:
  • basketball
  • bicycling
  • inline skating
  • soccer
  • swimming
  • tennis
  • walking
  • jogging
  • running
Improving strength doesn't have to mean lifting weights. Although some kids benefit from weightlifting, it should be done under the supervision of an experienced adult. Most kids don't need a weight-training program to be strong. Push-ups, stomach crunches, pull-ups, and other exercises help tone and strengthen muscles. Kids also use strength activities during play when they climb, do a handstand, or wrestle.
 
Stretching exercises help improve flexibility, allowing muscles and joints to bend and move easily through their full range of motion. Kids get chances every day to stretch when they reach for a toy just out of reach, practice a split, or do a cartwheel.
 
*Source for article: kidshealth.org
From Mark & Rebecca
Walking around the neighborhood the first day of May reminded us what a pleasure it is to see families hiking down the Fun & Fitness Trail, children playing at the park, kids jumping on back-yard trampolines, older folks out walking their dogs and couples playing tennis.  These were real sights and sounds, not something we want to see happen, but what was happening during a brief 15-minute walk between our office and Mountain View Park.  Although I had my camera with me, I only snapped a couple of shots spending more time observing with interest and a sincere sense of appreciation to those who live, work and play at Mountain View Meadows who are helping realize our vision for building a better community.  Mark is always saying that he wants all residents to be 100% happy and that we are in the happiness business.  We know that is a tall order, but we do hope that most of you see the value in what we can all accomplish together if we truly believe that community is better than just a cluster of houses, that architecture and design is important to the look and feel of the neighborhoods, and that open spaces, parks and amenities that contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle are a benefit to all of us -- not just because they add to the value of our homes, but because they contribute to the quality of our lives.  We look forward to seeing more of you out and about throughout the upcoming months, and next time I'll snap a few more photos!
Girls have fun exercising while riding bikes about the park
"Up, up and away!"  A game of baseball -- What a great way to spend time with family and friends!