The realty market has been a wild ride for the past year or two. The demand for property and affordable living has been through the roof. During the height of the pandemic, many out-of-state "COVID refugees" were buying homes in Missoula County "sight unseen." Meaning they didn't care what shape the property was in, they were going to offer cash for it. Before you knew it, homes were valued 200% more than the year prior. As supply and demand go, even the run-down properties were going for astronomical prices.

With property values continuing to rise, and wages remaining stagnant, renters are now being booted so the landlords can sell their properties. Finding rental properties is nearly impossible. Some are being forced to buy property but with limited budgets. Thankfully, there are a few affordable options. They are by no means a palace but may work in a pinch.

Check out a couple of interesting homes for sale in Missoula County homes currently on the market.

13360 Highway 93 N

$450,000
2 bd
2 ba
2,136 sqft

2acres

According to the listing on Realtor.com

The "Shopdominium" that you're looking for! Near Missoula in the desirable Frenchtown School District. 2100+/- SF living area, attached to an approximately 30'x 25' garage with 4 covered carport spaces! On just over 2 acres with excellent access off Hwy 93 N. This extremely unique layout is surrounded by private hillsides of trees and meadows, so quite a sense of privacy.

If that doesn't do it for you, how about a treehouse?

Yup! This supposed 1 bed, 1 bath treehouse is one of the cheapest houses currently listed in Missoula County. Yet the price tag seems a little high for this kind of "elevated living."

74 Argo Mine Rd

$149,000

1 bed

1 bath

14-acre lot

According to Realtor.com

Treehouse in the woods! Are you looking for seclusion, privacy, peace, security, and a wonderful adventure in Montana's beautiful mountains? This remote mining claim offers all that and more. In the midst of the Lolo National Forest, approximately 34 miles northwest of Philipsburg, these mountains are home to every manner of wildlife including deer, elk, moose, mountain lions, bear, and wolf. Your treetop home keeps you safe while you sleep in the boughs of evergreens.

With the housing market being as wacky as it has been here in western Montana, you sometimes have to think of other options. Personally, I'm leaning towards the "shopdominium." But the treehouse could be interesting.