Buyers will be surprised to find that Montana’s real estate market is going against the national trends. The agricultural economy of the Treasure State is faring better thanks to the favorable prices of selected crops. Craft breweries in Kalispell, Butte, Missoula and Helena regions are also providing significant state revenues as well as oil firms in the northeast. As employment rates remain strong, the real estate situation is faring well with lower foreclosure rates.

The state should benefit from the very minimal subprime mortgages that were released during the real estate boom. Although buyer confidence is way lower than previous records, Montana must not be weary with imminent demand downturns. The economy is well hinged on the strength of both large and small businesses with no indication of retreating during the year.

Great Falls’ home purchases are at a slowdown but this has not caused the area to lose average home values rapidly. Though low, home sales are expected to retain current levels, providing enough backing to the property industry. Employment is healthy in the leisure and hospitality industry though employees in manufacturing sectors should heed minor cuts in the labor pool. RealtyOutlook.com expects home prices to rise by 1 percent.

Billings has a sluggish real estate market. The largest city of the state has a robust medical services market as well as education facilities. The same is true for its housing supply where homes are not losing their values unlike other cities. This year, home prices will go up by 3 percent.

Livingston is a buyer’s haven. Real estate prices are on a bullish trend though home sales are slowing down. During winter, purchases are naturally slow but the summer season provides enough recovery for the market. RealtyOutlook.com expects prices to inflate by 1 percent this year. The country lifestyle in this city is what lures people to relocate to the Park County area.

Bozeman’s economic landscape is flocked by small and medium enterprises that have reliable capitalization even in a persisting national slowdown. The employment rate is strong but most residents have to juggle two to three jobs to afford the cost of living in this small town. Foreclosures are slowly inching up but not enough to equal the rapid rate of other cities. Bozeman’s home prices will improve by 1.5 percent in 2009.

In Missoula, the market is solid with home prices appreciating at a 15-year trend. Home to the University of Montana, the city’s earnings are supported by retail and wholesale trade. Residents are also benefiting from the low cost of living that is an advantage in times of recession. Last year was a good time for home prices to appreciate and RealtyOutlook.com projects such improvement to remain in 2009, edging up by 1 percent.