Get Your Home Fall Ready

The calendar now says October so that means cozy sweaters, stylish boots and pumpkin yummies. It also means so much needs to be done outside your home to get it ready for the upcoming winter. This week evening temperatures may dip down to the low 20's here in Missoula, that's cold. Here is a To-Do list of what needs to be done before the snow arrives. *Make sure your hoses are removed from all the outside spickets, believe me when I tell you this can save you a homeowners insurance claim. *Have your sprinklers blown out, as this prevents pipes from freezing and ruining your sprinkler system. *Clean out your gutters and remove leaves and other debris as this can clog up and keep water in there which will eventually go under your shingles and cause water damage. *Rake up the leaves as dead leaves sitting on your grass all winter may kill the grass. *Caulk cracks in wood base windows and other entry points to help seal in the heat for this winter. *Trim trees and bushes as heavy snow and ice can cause them to crash into your home if they are not taken care of now. *Don't forget to add some cornstalks, hay bales, pumpkins and other fall items to spruce up your outside.

What SUP?

What SUP? Say that fast and you may get "not much" as a response as it sounds like what's up? What's up is the Clark Fork River will be hosting Missoula's first competitive paddleboard race July 21st. The Windermere SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) cup is a fundraiser for Missoula's river projects. The paddlers will race 5.3 miles downriver of the Clark Fork starting at the Sha-Ron fishing access all the way to Riverside Park area. It is open to elite and recreational paddlers. And will end with a Montana luau in Caras Park. Registration started last week and costs $80 for Elite and $50 for recreational racers before July 2nd. After then the fees go up to $100 and $70 for late registrars (July 3rd-July 20th). Register at supcupmt.com. Proceeds will benefit the Clark Fork River rehabilitation projects, including Brennan's Wave and watershed education. A $5,000 prize purse will be shared equally among the elite men and women’s divisions, and the recreational division will compete for trophies, prizes and laughter!

Home ReSource - What a resource!

You've heard the name but have you actually been to Home ReSource or actually know what they do?  I had the pleasure of visiting there a few weeks back in need of a door. Didn't want to spend a lot of money so I thought I would check them out.

Wow! What an amazing place! It is a building materials re-use center and this place has everything from screws, a box tile or a full kitchen remodel. And can you save some bank! If you have a project that you are getting ready to start I would highly recommend visiting them at 1515 Wyoming before you get too deep and see what they have to offer for you next project/remodel.

Here are a few facts about Home ReSource -


     *Rates are competitive
     *If you donate materials you can receive a tax deduction
     *Saves about 95% of the energy that would be used to produce the same materials new
     *Helps people of all income levels improve their homes and neighborhoods
     *Did you know that lumber from earlier decades is more dense, drier and even stronger then     recent lumber? Even with nail holes!
     *They also work with local agencies to train men and women who have barriers to employment and teach them skills and get them into level entry positions.


Check them out :  http://www.homeresource.org/

The Dog Days of Summer

*Did you know "Dog Days" is a Latin term meaning sultry days of summer.  The Dog Days of Summer are typically in July and August. Actually the Old Farmer's Almanac lists them from July 3 - August 11.

*The average temp in Missoula for the "Dog Days" is the mid 80's. How great is that? Warm enough but not too hot. And the evening temps range about mid 50's - perfect sleeping weather. Especially if you are sleeping in a tent or under the stars.

*Missoula in the summer is the best! Osprey baseball games, floating rivers, hikes, Big Dipper ice cream, Caras park activities including watching the kayakers at Brennan's Wave - just to list a few fun things that summer brings to Zootown.
*The hottest Missoula temperature was 105 degrees recorded in 1951 both in July and August of that year. I'm thinking they didn't have air conditioning then or even Splash Montana to cool down with. Yikes!

*Summer of 2012 temperatures in Northwest Montana are supposed to be 30% above average so grab your coolers, intertubes and I'll meet you in Bonner. Let's float this summer away!

** Also, don't forget your furry friends and  keep them cool and out of vehicles these Dog Days of summer. Or else!!!!

Who Loves Your Daddy?

Father's Day is coming up this Sunday. That one Sunday a year we let Dad lay around and we cut the grass and grill the meat.  If you happen to have some money to spend on the old man, I have some ideas for you.

* Do you have a Dad that likes to fish? The summer in Montana, on the water,  aw man, there is nothing better.  Missoula is filled with some of the best fishing shops in the country.  Stop by Grizzly Hackle (www.grizzlyhackle.com) or Blackfoot River Outfitters (http://www.blackfootriver.com/) to name a few and pick up some supplies or a gift card.

*How about a hunter? Bob Ward's (http://www.bobwards.com/) at the Southgate Mall or Sportsman's Warehouse  out Reserve can help you find Dad the newest and greatest hunting gear.

*Does Dad like to yell?  I mean, does your Dad like to yell FORE?? Missoula is the home of one of the greatest golf bag companies in the world - Sun Mountain Sports (http://www.sunmountain.com/).  You can purchase these bags at nearly every golf course here in town. While stopping at Larchmont Golf Course, the Ranch Club or Canyon River Golf Course why not grab him a punch card for some golf outings.

*Is your Dad a toolman? Montana Ace Hardware (http://www.montanaace.com/) has everything and anything Dad may desire for his tool addiction.

*How about eating? What Dad doesn't like to eat? Missoula has some new yummy places to grab some serious grub at. Has Dad tried the new Tom Dooley's Grilled Gourmet Hot Dogs (http://tomdooleyshotdogs.com/) located in the Campus Inn? They got some of the best dogs or brats on a pretzel roll.  Yum! Or what about The Burger Shack (http://www.burgershackmt.com/)in the Holiday Village Center? Massive burgers at a great price. Is dad more a pizza or sandwich kinda guy? Try Philly West (http://phillywestmissoula.com/) downtown. Some of the best food ever.  


Now that you are all full of ideas get on out there and get Dad something great. He taught you how to catch a ball, drive a car and be a stand up citizen - it's the least you can do. 

Did you know MOM is WOW upside down?

Did you know Mother's Day has officially been around since 1908?  You really should appreciate your mom every day (hint, hint to my kids) but you really need to spoil her this one Sunday in May.

So what are your plans? I have joked in the past that the best Mother's Day for me really would be a day without my kids. Sound horrible? They can be enjoyable when they get along and are respectful but let's be honest - that doesn't happen often. If they can just give me this one day and be pleasant to each other and me, I'd be happy. And throw in some homemade gifts and cards? You got one happy momma. But if you can't give this to your mom and are stuck what to do in replacement of a nice happy Sunday I have a few ideas.

Flowers. Flowers may not last long but they sure are pretty and smell so good. Some of my favorite spots to grab some flowers? The Farmers Market, Bitterroot Flower Shop (http://bitterrootflowershop.com/) and I am also always impressed with Safeway's selection.

A Spa Day. With some really great day spas in Missoula why not help all of Mom's cares go away. A massage can carry all her worries away and feels so good  or what mom doesn't like pretty toes? Some of our favorite spas include Sorrella's, Cedar Creek Day Spa and Cowgirls -http://cowgirlssalonandspa.com/.

Jewelry. And I am not talking about the fancy, expensive kind. Well, unless you can purchase that and still pays your bills. More power to you. I am talking about just some fun pieces.  Apricot Lane (http://www.apricotlanemissoula.com/) in the Southgate Mall has some fun pieces mom is bound to love. Also, I personally can always find some deals and beauties at Maurice's and JC Penney's. If you feel like heading downtown  One Eleven has some fun stuff and of course Rockin Rudy's never disappoints.

Brunch. Mom needs to get her nutrients for the day. Instead of just cooking for her at home how about taking her out for some yummy food Missoula has to offer.  Jakers, the Montana Club, and even Brooks and Browns in the Holiday Inn are planning Mother's Day brunches.

So this one day a year make sure your Mom realizes how much you appreciate and adore her. Spoil her rotten. Why you ask? Because I said so. And I'm a mom!

Play Ball!

Usually this time of year when you hear "play ball" you are thinking baseball, but not today. It's Game Day. Griz football. I love Game Day in Missoula! Who doesn't?

This game day is a little different for a few reasons.

1)  It is a not a real game but a scrimmage.

2) It will not be a crisp fall day but a gorgeous spring day.

3) When the sun goes down we do not need to file out of Washington Grizzly and head home because we now have lights. Let there be light! And there will be.

4) Tickets are only $5!

5) And the football coach had 40 minutes to decide if he wanted the job, not even a month ago.    But, that's a whole nother blog.  http://bit.ly/IBxhe9

But, it's a Game Day nonetheless. People around town are pumped. Grocery stores are filled with shoppers getting some last minute goodies for their tailgates. Campers are being packed not for camping but to get to their tailgate spots. The UM cheerleaders and dance squad are getting ready to face paint and put tattoos on kids. The GSA tailgate is going to have tons of activities for kids of all ages. Food and beverages will be available. It's going to be an awesome day to be a Grizzly. But when isn't it?  http://bit.ly/HJClKG

Missoula Neighborhoods

We all grew up in a neighborhood, all of our childhood memories revolve around where we grew up and the streets, parks, stores that were near to us.  Every time I work with buyers they ask about neighborhoods and I find myself reflecting on my childhood.  The only way to know a neighborhood is to ask those that live there and that is why the Missoula Organization of Realtors  created The Front Porch.  This website has videos, statistics and information about each of Missoula's unique neighborhoods.  Go to http://www.livemissoula.com/
I also always suggest to buyers to visit the neighborhood that they like during different times of the day to get a sense of the area. We sell homes and neighborhoods sell lifestyles and we need to bring them together for our clients.  We offer as many resources as we can to buyers while they are shopping for a new home.  We LOVE http://www.makeitmissoula.com/housing and http://www.livemissoula.com/ and if you have any other suggestions please let us  know!