We get it. Housing prices in Montana are sky-high.

Not to beat a dead horse, but home prices in Montana are insane. Despite national headlines about home prices currently falling around the US,  prices remain high around Big Sky Country. Some experts say there is potential for COVID boom cities like Austin, Phoenix, and San Jose to experience a housing bubble bust similar to 2008. I doubt we'll see any big crashes around Billings, but if you follow local trends prices do seem to be stabilizing a bit.

How about a condo?

A few years ago it was fairly common to find "starter homes" in Billings for around $200,000 (frequently less) and fixer-upper homes in established neighborhoods could be found for well under $200K. First-time homebuyers are now looking at at least $275K - $350K for those same types of homes, leaving many buyers with few options. Condos and townhomes (there is a difference!) remain somewhat affordable choices.

No mowing, watering the lawn or shoveling the sidewalk and driveway.

There are some upsides to owning a condo or townhouse. They typically include:

• Snow removal
• Lawn care
• Exterior/roof maintenance
• Use of community common areas, such as a pool or clubhouse.
• More affordable alternative to homeownership.

The drawbacks may include a hefty HOA fee. Home Owners Association fees can vary wildly (some are hundreds of dollars per month) and your lender will take that fee into consideration when approving your loan amount. And of course, you'll almost never get the privacy and space that a single-family residence typically offers.

That said... here are three of the lowest-priced condos that are currently on the market in Billings (as of 1/28/23).

322 Jefferson Street, 59101 - $179,900

Over 2,000 square feet of living space are available in this 5-bedroom/2-bath condo. The listing photos reveal what appears to be a clean, well-kept property and the unit features newer windows, roofing, and siding. The property is presented by Jason Leininger with Real Estate Hub Lllp and you can see the listing HERE. 

1544 Yellowstone Ave, 59102 - $204,900

It won't be long before summer returns to Billings and one of the most common places to find outdoor swimming pools is at a condo complex. This 2-bedroom/1.5-bath unit in Midtown Billings provides owner access to a beautiful, well-treed pool area. The listing states there is new flooring in both bedrooms. Priced at just $136 per square foot, I doubt this unit will last long. Presented by Tammie Hoelle with Metro, Realtors L.L.P, see the listing HERE.

1310 Yellowstone Ave, 59102 - $215,000

I've personally been inside two of these units and I just love them. The property is located in a convenient Midtown location and the complex almost feels park-like with a beautiful pool area. The listing, presented by Shasta Edwards with Western Skies Real Estate, offers 2-bedrooms/2-baths, new paint, and lots of storage. The second-floor, 1,100-square-foot unit seems like it would be great for sunrises. Check it out HERE.