Billings Real Estate News

May 15, 2019

Real Estate Team Hub Members Achieve the GRI

By Billie Kouwenhoven

Recently, several members of the team at The Real Estate Hub completed the GRI course in Missoula.

The Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation.

Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it's often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.

Spring 2019 GRI graduates

GRI Designees:

  • Have pursued a course of study that represents the minimum common body of knowledge for progressive real estate professionals.
  • Have developed a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to navigate the current real estate climate—no matter what its condition.
  • Are recognized nationally.
  • Act with professionalism and are committed to serving their clients and customers with the highest ethical standards.

Congratulations to Kim Hart, Jason Leininger, Billie Kouwenhoven, and Della Gardner.

Posted in News
April 18, 2019

Level Up Your Productivity When Selling

By: Billie Kouwenhoven

tidy your home for sale

It can be very overwhelming when you decide to prepare your home for a sale. Maybe you have a loved one that passes or a parent who can no longer can stay in their home. You may think, “where do I start?”

If you're like me, you move into a room, roll up your sleeves, grab your cleaning stuff and prepare to get something accomplished! You're looking around when you decide you need a box first. So you step out to grab a box and another room grabs you. Two hours later you've barely gotten anything accomplished!

How am I ever going to get this done, right?

Here is my suggestion to help you stay on track.

Make a “to-do” list for each room.

For example, the a bedroom list might read:

  • bedding to be donated
  • craigslist the bed frame and dressers
  • Jane wants the horse picture
  • northeast corner is the garbage pile
  • remove nails on wall from pictures

Tape the list to the door. That way if a friend or relative from out of town comes to help you they can go to that room and get a start on it.

 

If you are trying to get your own home ready to sell the same applies, just different categories.

  • Remove family pictures. (We want them looking at the home not at your family "thinking I wonder who's house this is” and “Do I know them?")
  • Touch up those knicked areas with paint if you can.
  • LESS IS MORE always applies!
  • CLEAN and TIDY also applies (the garage is always an acceptable place to move things and be full. People typically will know you are ready to move. Half the people in America use their garage as storage so they will have more grace for the clutter.)

 

I am always available with resources and will gladly help you with the "What about this areas."

Billie Kouwenhoven

Posted in News
July 31, 2017

Animals From Around The World Are Living In Billings

Residents living in Billings go wild at ZooMontana. This is the place to unwind and have some fun. Visitors get the opportunity to get to know wildlife calling Billings home as well as animals from around the world. Paths wind through the landscape alongside Canyon Creek creating a picture perfect setting. Botanical gardens add a splash of color with delicate blooming flowers and vibrant plants. Favorite spaces to relax in are the Children’s Garden and Jane Reger Sensory Garden.

Close To Billings Homes Families Enjoy The ZooMontana

Animals are everywhere on the grounds. Get to know the Grizzlies, Bruno and Ozzie. Bruno was once a true to life movie star. Now happily living in Billings, he loves to relax in his swimming pool. Ozzie was relocated to the zoo after stirring up trouble in Yellowstone National Park. Making friends with Bruno, Ozzie is now thriving in a safe environment. Birds of a feather include the majestic Bald Eagle and wise Great Horned Owl. Kali and Kahlua represent their Gray Wolves pack. Brought here as pups they have a howling good time.

Spending most of the day in trees, four Red Pandas look too cute and cuddly. Nearby the Red-Tailed Boa Constrictor slides on by. Sofi and Jasmine are Amur Tigers and sisters. When they are in a playful mood it is amazing to see the kitten in the big wild beast. There are many more animals to meet. ZooMontana is open seven days a week with the cooperation of the weather. Guests living in Billings or nearby can call 406.652.8100 if conditions seem questionable.

 

Posted in News
July 31, 2017

Explore The Elegance Of The Past On Billings Property

Return to the height of turn of the century living on Billings property. A trip to the Moss Mansion showcases the opulence of a time gone by. Explore the property at your leisure with a self guided tour or learn intimate family details by taking a guided tour.

Secrets Are Uncovered In A Famous Billings Home

Docents lead guests through the halls showcasing favorite rooms of the Moss family. Original furnishings, carpets, and paintings give an authentic representation of days gone by. Tour guides impart pieces of family history revealed through letters and diaries while pointing out favorite personal belongings. Those wanting to get to know the Moss family home a bit better can take the Trunks and Treasures Tour. This tour treks through closed parts of the house including the third floor. Here closets and drawers are searched looking for insight into the past residents of this famous Billings home. Field trips for local school children are great ways for youngsters to compare the modernity of today to the simplicity of living in the past.

Special events are often taking place on this Billings property including workshops, lectures, demonstrations and more. Favorite events include Food Truck Thursday, American Girl Doll Camps and Halloween Antics In October. Uncover the past and look forward to the future at the Moss Mansion.

 

Posted in News
July 31, 2017

Mother Nature Is In Grand Form On Billings Real Estate

Get to know the lay of the land and breathe in Mother Nature near Billings real estate. Minutes away from the hustle and bustle Bitter Creek Outfitters brings it all back to basics. Mount up and head out on horseback. With thousands of acres on their black angus ranch at their disposal guests feel as if they are truly one with the wilderness. Expert guides relay interesting bits of information regarding the flora and fauna covering the area. Scenic surrounding on the Billings property are breathtaking. Riders meander along rimrock and through ponderosa pines often spotting wild turkeys and mule deer.

Mount Up And Head Out On Billings Property

Explore the Yosemite Valley uptop a surefooted trail horse and welcome a new world of experience. One and two hour rides on this scenic piece of Billings real estate are offered. As a working cattle ranch, patrons are sure to see some real life cowboys in action. Riders as young as 10 years old are welcome to saddle up. Closed toe shoes are required and long pants recommended. First time riders are in good hands. Trail hands knowledgeably match horses with individual riders. Dedicated to the art of providing a great time, Bitter Creek Outfitters has earned rave reviews, been showcased on the Travel Channel and are ranked with a Tripadvisor certificate of excellence. Memories are in the making so don’t forget to take plenty of pictures along the trail. Reservations are a must and can be made by calling 406.855.6075.

 

Posted in News