Bozeman, MT occupies one of the country’s most coveted landscapes in the west. Thousands of acres of open space, a committed local art and film scene, and thousands of visitors every year point to the advantages for buyers looking to move to Bozeman’s backcountry. But there’s more to an open house than first meets the eye—especially when you’re surveying listings far out on the frontier. Read more below to learn all about what you should look for first when visiting an open house in Bozeman, MT real estate.
What is the home’s history of structural issues?
Regardless of where you’re visiting an open house, sellers must disclose any relevant code or structural issues that have occurred on the property. It’s key to get in touch with the official listing agent of the home in advance of the open house to obtain the relevant disclosures so you’re up to date with the home’s history. In Bozeman, some of the most common structural issues include:
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Pipe leaks due to frequent freezing and changing weather conditions.
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High Radon levels. Inspectors have found that Radon, a potentially dangerous gas, occurs almost seven times more often in Montana than the national average.
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Electrical and wiring problems due to faulty circuits or excessive electrical appliances installed on site.
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Roof repair issues, given Montana’s high amount of snow and precipitation year-round.
Which DIY renovations has the seller made?
Homeowners in the Bozeman area are well known for their frontier living attitude and DIY way of life when it comes to making home renovations. But not every property has the same history of repairs going on under the surface. A good agent should be able to provide you with the complete history of repairs and renovations made on site by the owner.
Since DIY improvements are more likely to cause problems with local coding laws or break down over time, it’s well worth the time to double-check who’s made large repairs. Obtaining a professional home inspection is always the best plan of action if you want to ensure the home is up to par before you decide to close.
What does the home sale include?
The last thing that home buyers want to happen is to close on a lovely property and then spend the first night in the new home without any appliances or creature comforts. Ideally, you’re looking for a move-in-ready house with furniture, kitchen appliances, curtains, and flooring all in place in Bozeman. But in case you’re eager to replace the interior with decor that’s a little more your style, you should meet with an agent to read up on what’s included in the home sale.
Since sellers don’t expressly need to include all the on-site stoves, TVs, desks, and sitting chairs in the sale details, you want to get a full picture of what’s going to be there for you when you move in on day one.
Is the home attached to an HOA?
Homeowners associations (or HOAs) aren’t a part of every property or every neighborhood. In Montana, where cities and towns are few and far between, HOAs are perhaps less common than in other states in the US. But it’s still important to get all the background information you can before joining an open house in Bozeman, Montana.
Suburban neighborhoods are home to many more HOAs than in other areas of Bozeman, but they occur regularly all over the city. If your property of choice is a member of an HOA, you’ll have to comply with the regulations and fees that residents pay every month or year. Make sure your budget can accommodate these dues because they can quickly make or break a sale if the amenities or local benefits included in the HOA package exceed your bottom line.
How’s the neighborhood?
Before the open house, it’s well worth your time to scan the neighborhood, drive around the area, and learn more from local residents about the pros and cons of living in your corner of Bozeman. Best of all, a good agent can be your sidekick whenever you have pressing questions about local school districts, business and tax benefits, and the general lay of the land in the area. Bozeman is home to dozens of nearby bodies of water, for instance, but these can be both a fun winter ice-skating opportunity and a source of water damage in the warmer months. You’ll want to know exactly what happens in the neighborhood all year round.
Have a dog? Expecting an extended family? Then it’s even more vital to read up on the neighborhood, nearby services, playgrounds, and outdoor experiences available to you. You’ll want to learn about the average weather forecast, the street conditions, and even the average age of your neighbors as well. Remember: there’s no end to the questions that are fair game to ask if you’ve got a good listing agent at your side.
Are there amenities nearby?
Bozeman, MT is home to one of the nation’s most adventurous and outgoing populations. Consequently, you’re likely to encounter dozens and dozens of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in style near your open house. But what is within walking distance, what is in your budget, and where are you likely to visit regularly on the weekends with the whole family in tow?
You’ll want to learn more about the hiking trails, cinemas, university-held events, art fairs and festivals, pools, and parks that are nearby. Any restaurants opening up soon? Have any coffee shops, bars, or gyms started up recently? You’ll need to gather all the intel yourself or get in touch with a local agent. Getting a good day-to-day picture of what you can expect in your neighborhood is the first step toward imagining yourself at home in Bozeman throughout the year.
How does the exterior look?
Judging a book by its cover may not be the best plan of action when it comes to literature, but the curb appeal or the “look” of an open house is indeed a good place to start your search for more details. Bozeman homes are generally well preserved and built 100% to code, but you’ll still want to take a close look before the open house. Some of the following points are always good to question when you first set eyes on any Big Sky homes for sale:
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Check out the landscaping for large shrubs and trees that may be touching the roofs or foundation.
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Research the age of the roof (especially shingle roofs) to make sure it has been replaced within 25 years.
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Learn about how busy the road and pedestrian traffic is nearby.
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Measure retaining walls for leaning or collapsed sections.
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Examine the other houses in the neighborhood for safety and security.
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Walk around the property to find slopes and runoff that could cause water damage.
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Check for termite or insect damage by looking for paved surfaces near the home or patched holes around the stairs and basement.
What about the basement and interior?
Bozeman experiences some of the country’s highest accumulations of snow and wet weather. As such, the basement and interior of the homes in Montana can take a lot of damage. Many popular open houses will likely include information about relevant repairs to the foundation and basement, but it’s key to cover your bases before the open house.
You’ll want to investigate any previous rodent or insect infestations that have occurred, newly installed electrical parts or plumbing, damp smells, water stains, cracked retaining walls, and old heating systems or AC units. HVAC systems need replacing every 10-25 years at least, so any older properties in Bozeman are likely going to need a little extra TLC before it’s ready to move in.
Are there signs of water damage?
Water damage can be easy to disguise, but as long as you know the signs that indicate it you’ll have a huge advantage over other open house visitors before it even begins. Pay attention to the flooring, especially if the home has extensive carpeting in place. You’ll likely see faint brown lines along the walls and ceilings if the home has experienced regular snow and rain without the proper protection. Touch the carpet in low-lying levels of the house to check for moisture. Scan the windowsills for dampness or standing water. Best of all, attend an open house after a heavy rain or snow to get the full picture of the property when the weather hasn’t been cooperating.
Reach out to a local real estate agent today
From Bozeman condos to Paradise Valley real estate and beyond, you need an experienced real estate agent to guide you from open houses to closing the deal on your dream Big Sky property. Contact the team at Annie Kreder to learn more and take the next step toward purchasing a little corner of Big Sky country for yourself today!
