The time and assistance you gave us was a huge help in determining what area fit us best. Making the bid was actually easier than when we bought our house.

Thanks again.

She was so knowledgeable in the area of wells, septic systems, easements and title. I don’t know how we could have completed the transaction without her help even though real estate is my area of expertise.

…But there’s one part of seeing more people on dirt roads that I don’t care for: the finger. Or rather, the lack thereof. 
   Now the single - finger wave is an oddity that I first witnessed riding bumpy mountain roads next to my dad in his old Ford pickup. Not being quite big enough to see over the dashboard, I could never make out who he was waving at, but ever once in a while, as the cloud of dust of an oncoming vehicle approached, my dad’s index finger would raise slightly off the steering wheel, then slowly drop back down and wrap itself around the wheel. This was a curious quirk of back road traveling that I never quite understood until I was well into my adult life – old enough to slow down, old enough to comprehend that the guy you’re waving at could well be your neighbor, or the guy that saves your butt when you need a jump 50 mile from any paved road.  But in our world of sport utility vehicles, lattes and cell phones, a dirt road for some of us has become nothing more than a bumpy, dusty pain in the butt on our way to do whatever it is we use our sport utility vehicles for.  It is no longer a conduit on which we slow down and take in what’s around us. Yes, the dirt road is a place where people have forgotten to “do the wave”. Or perhaps, they just never learned, as I did sitting on a worn-out truck seat with the springs sticking out.
   So in an effort to improve back road communication, let’s review the kind of waves you can do. Practice them at home, and use them the next time you take a drive on a country road. It’s fun to mix them up and adapt them to your own personal styles.
1.  The Single-Finger Wave: used when traveling at a high rate of speed, say 35 mph or more, and eye contact is minimal. Instructions: slowly raise your index finger off the steering wheel, making sure that the rest of the hand remains on the wheel. (Sometimes this wave can be complemented with a slight nod of the head for added emphasis.)
2. The Two-Finger Wave: used at lower rates of speed, and when you recognize the approaching vehicle. Use the same method as the Single-Finger Wave, but add that often-maligned middle finger. Used in tandem, these two fingers can create the country effect of that ‘60s leftover, the peace sign, (Sometimes can be complemented with at slight nod of the head,)
3. The Full – on Hand Wave: This should be used sparingly, and only when you know the other driver, lest you be mistaken for a drunken fool. Instructions: Keeping one hand securely on the steering wheel, raise the other hand, giving it a couple of short flips, or twitches, almost as if you were drawing a dry fly across the surface of the water. The brevity of this wave depends on the level of friendship you have with the other driver. For instance, a longer wave says ‘Hi neighbor, it’s great to see you… where’d you get the money to buy that truck?’ while a short wave could be translated as ‘That’s a nice truck, I’ll see you at the fair.’ (Sometimes this wave can be complemented with a slight smile or grin for added emphasis.)
   Those are just a few of the waves that I’ve learned and practiced over the years traveling Montana’s back roads. Feel free to try them using your own personal style to create our signature wave. One thing to keep in mind: when it comes to the changing face of Montana, remember that it’s the little things that count when you want to be accepted here.  Because some of Montanans’ fear of change may be just as simple as that: people not doing the wave.

TYPICAL CLOSING COSTS

In Montana, the title companies provide the closing services for almost all real estate transactions. These companies are bonded to perform this valuable service. Parties generally do not close at the same time, and often the closings are done by mail, express mail, and/or electronic transfers so that the Buyers and Sellers need not be present. Deeds in Montana must still be "originals" in order to be accepted by the Clerk and Recorders Office. The following figures illustrate typical costs of closing a transaction - other than specifics that are tied to sales price or loan amount such as title insurance and or brokerage fees.

BUYERS
Closing Fee 1/2         $150
Water Right Transfer    50
Recording Fees           100
Courier Fee                   50
Loan Fees
ALTA Title Insurance
(sales price rated)

SELLERS
Closing Fee 1/2             $150
Title Insurance Owner's Policy
(sales price rated)
Prorated Taxes
Document Preparation     50
Brokerage Fees

 “Helping others navigating the complexities of rural mountain real estate is our passion and what we do better than any other company in our area, touts Jan King. Our real estate systems, our quality and cheerful staff, and our real estate expertise creates a buying or selling experience that is informed, investment wise, and fun."
 
"We lead the way",  in rural real estate sales in the Bitterroot Valley.”

Our years of sales expertise helps Sellers to more accurately price their property and ensures  that their property is well positioned in the market place with other competing properties. 

MOUNTAIN LIVING MAGAZINE  January 2008

Best Place to Buy Land     WINNER:  Bitterroot Valley  Montana

Anyone with the desire to head to the high country knows that mountain property doesn't come cheap, but steals can still be had in Montana's beautiful Bitterroot Valley. Encompassing five distinct and charming comunities including Victor and Florence, the valley is full of historic sites and landmarks that tell the story of the American West. Many homes and lots are available, as are ranches and large expanses of land.

" Cat's equestrian knowledge made buying our dream place in the Bitterroot an effortless task. She knew all about water rights, caring for the land, and helped us meet others in the horse community. We have become great friends. 

Dave and Jo Young     Whitefish Montana