Press Room

(August 19, 2024) – The Board of Directors of the Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) is pleased to announce MOR’s endorsement of the following candidates for the state legislature:

• Ellie Hill Boldman, SD 47
• Mark Thane, HD 89
• Marilyn Marler, HD 94
• Bob Carter, HD 96
• Jonathan Karlen, HD 98

MOR’s candidate review process, like that of most trade associations, involving candidate questionnaires and in-person interviews to assess alignment with the organization’s positions. Copies of the completed candidate questionnaires are available on the Missoula Real Estate website at missoularealestate.com/candidate-endorsements.

We encourage all Missoulians to review the published candidate responses and participate in the elections November 5th. To view MOR's position statements: click here

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(August 13, 2024) – The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) reminds members, real estate professionals and consumers that on August 17, 2024 the practice changes following the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Settlement Agreement that would resolve claims brought on behalf of home sellers related to broker commissions will be implemented across the country.

Under the settlement, the following practice changes will take effect as of August 17th:
• Homebuyers will now sign a written agreement with their agent before touring a home which will clearly define what services will be provided, and for how much. The state of Montana already requires written agreements between consumers and their agents, only now this must be signed prior to home showings (in-person and virtual).
• Offers of compensation will be prohibited on Multiple Listing Services (MLSs). Offers of compensation will continue to be an option consumers can pursue off-MLS through negotiation and consultation with real estate professionals.

“Change can be tough, but these new rules help move our industry in a positive direction,” said Brint Wahlberg, MOR Board President. “They raise the bar on transparency and fairness, and they emphasize the importance of clear, negotiated agreements that protect both agents and buyers.”

Consumers should note that compensation for agents remains fully negotiable, and if an agent is a REALTOR®, they must abide by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and have clear and transparent discussions
with you about compensation.

To find additional information on what these changes mean for the homebuying and selling experience, MOR encourages consumers to reach to out their preferred real estate professional and/or visit MOR’s
website. Please also visit facts.realtor for the latest updates on the settlement and practice changes from NAR.

The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) is a trade association, representing over 850 members in four western counties, dedicated to advocating for equal housing opportunities and private property rights. Chartered in 1947, MOR is committed to helping build a better Missoula and surrounding areas by providing superior service to members and the
community.

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(August 8, 2024) — The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) is pleased to announce a partnership with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the REALTORS® Relief Foundation to provide financial assistance to those affected by the July 24th windstorm.

Between now and October 1st, 2024, Missoula County residents who were directly affected by the July 24th storm are encouraged to complete MOR’s REALTORS® Relief Fund Grant Application.
If approved, applicants could receive up to $2,000 in relief assistance which may be used for mortgage expenses, rental costs, and/or a hotel reimbursement. Please note financial assistance is for housing relief only, and not for general debris/tree clean-up.

Grant Details
• The REALTORS® Relief Foundation has allocated a $250,000 grant to be used to help
individuals who have been impacted by the July 24th Missoula windstorm.
• Relief assistance is limited to a maximum of $2,000 per household.
• Applicants will need to provide relevant documentation to support their request for assistance, such as proof of damage or financial need, including any other financial assistance already received.
• Please note this assistance is for housing relief only; other expenses including second mortgages (home equity lines or loans), clothing, appliances, equipment, vehicle purchase, rental or repair, and or mileage are ineligible for reimbursement under this program.
• Deadline for application submission is October 1, 2024.
• All grants are contingent upon the availability of funds. As a result, aid will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

How to Apply for Assistance
1. Eligibility: The fund is available to U.S. citizens and legal residents who have been impacted by a disaster and need financial assistance for housing-related expenses.
2. Application: Apply online on MOR’s website: (www.missoularealestate.com/realtors-relief-grants). You’ll need to provide documentation of your need, such as proof of loss, insurance claims, and any other relevant information.
3. Approval: Once your application is reviewed, you will be notified of the decision. Approved applicants will receive funds directly to assist with their housing needs.

How You Can Contribute
The REALTOR® Relief Foundation relies on the generosity of donors to continue its mission of providing support in times of crisis. Contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by disasters.

Here’s how you can help:
1. Donate Online: Visit the Realtor Relief Fund page to make a secure donation. Every dollar goes directly to helping those in need.
2. Organize Fundraisers: REALTOR® and community members can organize local fundraising events to support the fund. Whether it’s a charity auction, a bake sale, or a community run, every effort helps raise awareness and funds.
3. Spread the Word: Share information about the Realtor Relief Fund with your network. The more people know about the fund, the more support we can provide for those in need.

About the Missoula Organization of REALTOR®
The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) is a trade association, representing over 850 members in four western counties, dedicated to advocating for equal housing opportunities and private property rights. Chartered in 1947, MOR is committed to helping build a better Missoula and surrounding areas by providing superior service to members and the community.

About the National Association of REALTOR®
The National Association of REALTOR® (NAR) is America’s largest trade association, representing over 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. NAR has been a steadfast advocate for property rights, real estate professionals, and communities across the country.

About the REALTORS® Relief Foundation
The REALTORS® Relief Foundation was established by the National Association of REALTOR® (NAR) in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Since then, the fund has expanded its mission to provide emergency assistance to victims of natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and more. The fund offers financial support to cover the
cost of temporary housing, mortgage payments, or rental assistance for individuals and families who have lost their homes or are facing financial hardship due to a disaster.

About the REALTORS® Relief Foundation
The REALTORS® Relief Foundation was established by the National Association of REALTOR® (NAR) in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Since then, the fund has expanded its mission to provide emergency assistance to victims of natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and more. The fund offers financial support to cover the
cost of temporary housing, mortgage payments, or rental assistance for individuals and families who have lost their homes or are facing financial hardship due to a disaster.

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The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) is pleased to partner with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) of Missoula to host a Summer Camp Kit Drive to provide refugee youth with the items they need to attend and thrive at local day-camps this summer.

From May 13 to May 17, the Missoula community is invited to drop off the following items at the MOR office (724 Burlington Ave, Missoula, MT 59801) between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm (please only new items):

• Reusable water bottles
• Sunscreen
• Hats
• Swim goggles
• Beach towels
• Lunch boxes

To end out the week, MOR and the IRC will be hosting a “Stuff the Van” event on Friday, May 17^th from 10am to 3pm, also at MOR’s office.

Every year, the IRC in Missoula works to ensure that summer camp is accessible to refugee youth as it is an important opportunity for them to meet friends, integrate into their community, and build language and social skills that prepare them for success during the school year. With their children engaging in safe and structured programs, parents are able to focus on employment, earning income, and working towards financial stability.

“Beyond the high financial cost of attending summer camp, kids often need extra gear to ensure summer camp is successful, which adds additional barriers,” said Sarah Howerton, Development Manager for IRC of Missoula. “This Summer Camp Kit Drive will provide refugee youth with the items they need to be safe and focus on one thing, having fun this summer.”

Additionally, funds may be donated directly to the IRC (click here) from May 13 – May 17 and will be used for camp fees and additional supplies to keep summer camp affordable and accessible for refugee youth.

The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) is pleased to announce a $7,500 Placemaking Grant from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) will be awarded to the Missoula Downtown Foundation to help in the creation of the new Beartracks Underbridge Playground.

Located on the north side of the river under Beartracks Bridge, the multi-phase playground & park will include amenities such as a basketball court, climbing wall, bicycle parking, picnic tables and public displays of art.

NAR’s Placemaking Grant program is available to local REALTOR® Associations to help transform unused sites in their communities to welcoming destinations accessible to everyone.

Brint Wahlberg, President of the MOR Board of Directors, emphasized that this effort is just one of many examples of how local REALTORS® are dedicated to our community. “As a profession we take immense pride in our work to make Missoula’s neighborhoods better places to live, work, and raise a family,” Wahlberg said. “This grant gives us a tangible, immediate opportunity to identify and address areas in Missoula that need enhancement and revitalization for the greater good."

MISSOULA – The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) presented their 2024 Five Valleys Housing Report on Monday, March 4th, at the Missoula Public Library, providing an in-depth review of the 2023 Missoula housing market.This year’s report shows a slowing in the growth of the median home sales price and the third year of declining home sales.

The median1 sales price of a Missoula home finished the year at a new high of $550,000, up 5.8% from 2022 but decelerating from previous increases observed in 2022 of 15.5% and 28.6% in 2021. Higher interest rates combined with the increase in median home prices have further slowed the sales of homes, which were down by 12.9% in 2023 when compared with 2022.

This year’s presentation included the introduction of the Missoula Housing Continuum model. The new infographic aims to provide a common language when discussing the spectrum of available housing options and serve as a valuable resource in gauging Missoula’s progress towards ensuring that everyone has access to shelter in our community.

While the report again highlights the ongoing challenges of insufficient supply to meet demand in many of the above sectors, including many of the market-rate home ownership price points, there are some trends that point to improvements in 2023.

• Vacancy rate has risen throughout most of 2023 averaging an annual rate of 4.4%, approaching a “healthy” vacancy rate of 5% to 8%.
• The Absorption2 rate continues to increase from slightly under-supply at 2.64 months at year-end 2022 to a normal market at 4.00 months of supply at year-end 2023.
• Two decades worth of housing units, within the ‘supported’ sectors, over 400 new units, were added in 2023.

“MOR, through its reports and data, strives to offer a thorough, trustworthy, and an impartial overview of housing in the Missoula community. Intended as practical resources, MOR endeavors to empower community members, businesses, nonprofits, and policymakers in their efforts to address Missoula's housing”, said MOR President-Elect Sheena Comer
Winterer.

To view the 2024 Five Valleys Housing Report including all interactive data visualizations, please visit www.missoularealestate.com under “Market Data.”

Report Data Sources; Montana Regional MLS, U of M Bureau of Business and Economic Research, the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, the Missoula Housing Authority, Homeword, the City of Missoula and Missoula County. The report uses the most recent available data, which is typically from 2022 but in some cases is from 2020.

The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) is a trade association, representing 850 members in four western counties, dedicated to advocating for equal housing opportunities and private property rights. Chartered in 1947, MOR is committed to helping build a better Missoula and surrounding areas by providing superior service to members and the community. 

1 “Median” describes the point at which half of the sales are above that price and half are below.
2 Absorption rate is calculated by dividing the total number of available homes in the market by the number sold in the last month.

The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) extends its profound gratitude to the citizens of Missoula who exercised their fundamental right to vote in the recent municipal elections. We recognize every citizen who participated, acknowledging the significance of this civic engagement.

Congratulations to Andrea Davis, who will serve as the next mayor of Missoula. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue our collaboration with Mayor Davis in our collective efforts to finding innovative solutions for the pressing housing crisis and other critical issues that are of paramountimportance to the residents of Missoula. It is noteworthy that Mayor Davies’s prior association with Homeward and MOR has resulted in a strong and enduring strategic partnership.

We also wish to express our sincere appreciation for the unwavering dedication of Mike Nugent to our community. Running for public office is a selfless endeavor, not only for the candidate but also for their family, and Mike's longstanding leadership within his profession and Missoula has not gone unnoticed. We are gratified and eagerly anticipate his continued leadership within our community.

MOR would also like to congratulate Sierra Farmer, endorsed for Ward 2, and Bob Campbell, endorsed for Ward 6, for their successful campaigns and election to the council, along with all the other incoming city council members.

The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® reaffirms its commitment to working closely with all elected officials and candidates, ensuring that Missoula continues to thrive as a vibrant community. We commend the candidates for their dedication to public service and acknowledge their positive contributions to the progress of our community.

MISSOULA – The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) presented their 2023 Five Valleys Housing Report on Wednesday, March 15th, providing an in-depth review and key insights from the 2022 Missoula housing market. This year’s report illustrates that after two years of a steep rise in median home price, the Missoula housing market is
leveling off. 

2022 saw the transition from historically low mortgage interest rates (30-yr conventional 3.25%), to rates that have not been experienced since the early 2000s (30-yr conventional 6.625%). The interest rates combined with the increase in median home prices has aided in the slowed sales of homes, which was down by 12.5% in 2022, when compared with 2021.

The Absorption1 rate was at an all-time low of 0.64 months at the end of 2021 and has rebounded to a near normal market of 2.64 months at year-end 2022. A normal range is a supply of housing to support three to nine months of demand. The estimated supply gap at year-end (using the mid-point of a normal range and current sales), is approximately 212 homes for this point in time.

Active listings increased by 182%, to 172 in December 2022, despite new listings slowing for a second year, declining 9.5% year-over-year.
The median2 sales price of a Missoula home finished the year at a new high of $520,000 (up 15.6%) from 2021, however, this is a decline from the third quarter median price of $525,000, another indication of a leveling off.

Although Missoula city reported a record number of multi-plex permits, the Missoula rental market remained tight throughout most of 2022 averaging an annual vacancy rate of 1.2%, well below a “healthy” vacancy rate of 5% to 8%. Average rents increasing by 11.4%, with a 2-bedroom house increasing 9.7% and 2-bedroom multiplexes up 15.7%. Rent
increases were beginning to slow in the second half of 2022 and average vacancies finished the fourth quarter at 2.3%.

“Homes Missoulians can afford has been and remains a topic of discussion in our community” said MOR President Carly Kelley McDonnell. “We are pleased to open this year’s presentation showcasing some of the progress our community is making to address the supply shortage. These projects include public and private developments that will supply over 400
new homes Missoulians can afford in 2023,” she continued.

MOR notes the recent projects to increase homes Missoulians can afford are strong proof points of progress. MOR remains committed to ongoing partnerships throughout our community in implementing solutions to encourage housing at all price points.

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1 Absorption rate is calculated by dividing the total number of available homes in the market by the number sold in the last month.
2 “Median” describes the point at which half of the sales are above that price and half are below.

Report Data Sources; Montana Regional MLS, U of M Bureau of Business and Economic Research, the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, the Missoula Housing Authority, Homeword, the City of Missoula and Missoula County. The report uses the most recent available data, which is typically from 2021 but in some cases is from 2019.

The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) is a trade association, representing 900 members in four western counties,
dedicated to advocating for equal housing opportunities and private property rights. Chartered in 1947, MOR is committed to
helping build a better Missoula and surrounding areas by providing superior service to members and the community.

MISSOULA – The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) is pleased to announce the 2023 Board of Director Officers
and those Local Directors newly-elected by MOR membership.

2023 Board Officers: President – Carly Kelley McDonnell, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, President Elect – Brint
Wahlberg, Windermere Real Estate, First Vice President – Sheena Comer Winterer, Ink Realty Group, Treasurer – Judy
Gudgel, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and Past President – Mandy Snook, Montana Land Company.

Newly-elected Directors in 2023: John Herring, RE/MAX All Stars, Josh Plum, Point 6 Real Estate, and Cindy Waltz, Ink
Realty Group. For a complete list of MOR’s Board visit: Board of Directors - Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (missoularealestate.com)

MOR’s strategic plans for 2023 will continue to focus on collaborating with private and public sectors on pathways for
attainable housing throughout all the communities their members serve. Several key efforts include:
• Ensuring that all neighborhoods have a REALTOR® champion as resource and advocate for key Real Estate topics.
• Continue to lead the timely and accurate reporting on housing data across the five valleys.
• Supporting community efforts to create a diverse, growing, and resilient local economy.

“Though market conditions have moved away from the frenzy of 2020 and 2021, it is more important than ever to trust
in the profession of REALTORs® to help provide guidance in today’s housing market,” said Jim Bachand.

“It’s the commitment that REALTOR® members make to a high standard of professionalism that’s sets them apart in the
Real Estate Industry,” Bachand continued.

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MISSOULA – The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) provided an update on the Missoula housing market in a
virtual presentation of Q3 data from the Five Valleys Housing Market Report on Thursday.

The data suggests the Missoula urban area housing market is experiencing a sight cooling; illustrated by an average 21% decrease in sales across all unit types and a median price increase of about 18% year-over-year.

Additional supporting data is the median1 home sales price of $525,000 held steady from the second quarter to the third
quarter of 2022, and the median percent of original list price compared to final sale is hovering just around 100% across
all unit types at the end of Q3.

Supply of homes for sale continues to remain below ‘normal’ range, with an absorption rate2 of 1.82 months at the end
of September but increasing from 0.94 months in Q3 2021. 75% of the neighborhoods in the urban area are listed as under-supply or less than 3 months. The estimated supply gap in the month of September (using the mid-point of a
normal range), is a deficit of approximately 425 homes across all price points.

The rental market persists with a limited availability of rentals; the vacancy rate declined in 2022 to 1.0% through the
third quarter. This vacancy rates remains well below a ‘healthy’ market of between 5% to 8%. Average rents across all
types saw an increase of 8.6% annually. For example, a two-bedroom house experienced an average rent increase of
7.5% and a two-bedroom multiplex saw a 10.5% increase.

Residential building permits are tracking slightly above the ten-year average of 600 in the city of Missoula. A combination of single family at 107, and multi-family at 566 year-to-date, totals 673. County single family building permits are also close to ten-year average at 142. Final plat approvals through the third quarter created 69 buildable lots
in the city, which is slightly less than half of 2021 results. The county approved 185 lots through the third quarter, which
is only three less than all of 2021.

Mortgage rates have more than doubled in 2022, making the need for assistance programs even more important.
Programs and services reviewed included Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs and financial education and
coaching services provided by Homeword. For a complete list of these programs and several others please visit Home Financing Resources.

Several exciting and notable Income Eligible Required Home Developments (f.k.a. affordable housing) in Missoula are
nearing completion. Projected for the first quarter 2023, roughly 400 homes are forecasted for occupancy; eclipsing the
total Income Eligible Required units built in the last decade.

MOR is continuing our collaboration with business and community leaders to identify, develop, and implement solutions
to encourage housing at all price points. Earlier this fall, MOR held a Real Estate Education Forum for local legislators,
legislative candidates, and other local government leaders to examine the creation of market rate housing, current
impediments/barriers to development, and development of ideas to reduce our housing deficit. We hope that the ideas
and action plans from the forum can be catalysts for increased housing growth in our communities.

Report Data Sources; Montana Regional MLS, U of M Bureau of Business and Economic Research, the U.S. Census
Bureau, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, the
Missoula Housing Authority, Homeword, the City of Missoula and Missoula County. The report uses the most recent
available data, which is typically from 2022 but in a few cases from 2019.

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1 Median” describes the point at which half of the sales are above that price and half are below.
2 Absorption rate is calculated by dividing the total number of available homes in the market by the number sold in the
last month. A normal range is a supply of housing to support three to nine months of demand.

For Immediate Release

Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) announces Montana RPAC endorsement of Missoula County Commissioner candidate.

The Board of Directors of MOR are pleased to announce Montana RPAC endorsement of Kim Chambers for Missoula County Commissioner District 2.

MOR’s candidate review process like that of most trade associations is designed to include candidate questionnaires and in-person interviews to establish alignment with organizational positions. Copies of candidates completed questionnaires can be found on the missoularealestate.com website.

“The greater Five Valleys area faces ongoing challenges in addressing the shortage of housing. Missoula Organization of Realtors encourages all people in public office to partner with us in developing and implementing solutions to address this urgent need” - Mandy Snook, MOR Board President

We encourage all Missoulians to review the published candidate responses and participate in the upcoming elections. A complete list of MOR position statements can be found at https://www.missoularealestate.com/public-affairs.

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The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) is a trade association, representing over 880 members in four western counties of Montana, dedicated to advocating for equal housing opportunities and private property rights. Chartered in 1947, MOR understands that changes are happening all around us created in large part by forces that are global in nature. These changes touch many aspects of the Missoula community. In the midst of the transitions, people want to maintain their connections to the place they call home. As an industry that builds community while carrying out everyday commerce, we choose to make a difference in the communities where our members live and work.
Contact: comments@missoularealestate.com
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For Immediate Release

Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) announces Montana RPAC endorsement of state legislative candidates.

The Board of Directors of MOR are pleased to announce Montana RPAC endorsement of the following candidates for the state legislature.  Marilyn Marler HD 90, Mike Hopkins HD 92, Jonathan Karlen HD 96, Lyn Hellegaard HD 97 and Mark Thane HD 99.

MOR’s candidate review process like that of most trade associations is designed to include candidate questionnaires and in-person interviews to establish alignment with organizational positions.  Copies of candidates completed questionnaires can be found on the missoularealestate.com website.

“The greater Five Valleys area faces ongoing challenges in addressing the shortage of housing. Missoula Organization of Realtors encourages all people in public office to partner with us in developing and implementing solutions to address this urgent need” - Mandy Snook, MOR Board President

We encourage all Missoulians to review the published candidate responses and participate in the upcoming elections. A complete list of MOR position statements can be found at https://www.missoularealestate.com/public-affairs.

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The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) is a trade association, representing over 880 members in four western counties of Montana, dedicated to advocating for equal housing opportunities and private property rights.  Chartered in 1947, MOR understands that changes are happening all around us created in large part by forces that are global in nature. These changes touch many aspects of the Missoula community. In the midst of the transitions, people want to maintain their connections to the place they call home. As an industry that builds community while carrying out everyday commerce, we choose to make a difference in the communities where our members live and work.

Contact: comments@missoularealestate.com