What is green landscaping?

Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of a household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling. Computer models devised by the U.S. Department of Energy predict that the proper placement of only three trees will save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually. On average your investment in is returned in 8 years


An 8-foot (2.4-meter) deciduous (leaf-shedding) tree, for example, costs about as much as an awning for one large window and can ultimately save your household hundreds of dollars in reduced cooling costs, yet still admit some winter sunshine to reduce heating and lighting costs.

Landscaping can save you money in summer or winter. Well landscaped areas can reduce surrounding air temperature by as much as 9°F. Air directly under trees can be as much as 25°F less then areas nearby. Shade can reduce air-conditioning costs by 15% to 50% compared to an unshaded home. And as much as 75% when comparing small mobile homes

Windbreaks can keep you home warmer in the winter by shielding your home against the colder wind. Homes with windbreaks placed only on the windward side showed an average of 25% less fuel consumption then similar unprotected homes.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs.

I am prequalified for a VA loan and I am interested in a home that has a pressure treated wood foundation. Will VA approve that type of foundation for my loan?

Yes.  A pressure treated wood foundation that has been properly installed, and meets current building codes, is acceptable for VA, FHA and Rural Development Loans.


Call Terry Pollert for all your real estate needs 406-2408-8018

When a Realtor is showing my home, would it be best for me to be there and answer any questions the buyers may have?

No! Buyers typically don't feel comfortable touring a Seller's home when they are there.  The Buyers will have trouble visualizing themselves living in the Sellers home. They are usually afraid to open cabinet, and closet doors, and to closely inspect the property when they feel the Seller is watching them.  The Buyer's Realtor is trained to stay close to the Buyers to help them with their inspection of the Sellers property. The Relator will make sure the property to left in the same condition they found it in. The Realtor will make sure all exterior doors and windows are locked and secured when they leave.

Call Terry Pollert for all of your real estate needs 406-208-8018

Do I have to contact the Realtor that has listed a property that I am interested in?

No.  You should contact a Realtor you know and trust! Your Realtor will represent you as a buyer's representative and act in your best interest. If you do not know a Realtor you may then want to interview the listing agent and decide if you want the listing agent to represent you and the seller.

Contact Terry Pollert for all of your real estate needs 406-208-8018

How much do I have to pay a Realtor to help me find a home?

Normally a Buyer doesn't pay a Realtor for their services.  The Brokerage fee is paid by the Seller, at Closing.  This is a good reason why Buyers should enlist a Realtor to help them find the property they are looking for.  Realtors have alot of information available on real estate that is on the market and they are well trained to protect the welfare and rights of their clients.




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Will owning a home give me a tax break?

While it's always a good idea to check with a tax professional who knows your situation, in most cases you will receive a mortgage interest deduction. Unless your loan is more than $1 million, you can fully deduct the mortgage interest you pay on your home.




Call Lisa Baumberger for all your real estate needs 406-208-5560

What is equity?

Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you currently owe if you were to pay it off. For example, if today’s market value of your home is $200,000 and your mortgage payoff balance is $150,000 then you have $50,000 of equity in your home.




Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs 208-5560