We must reject not only the stereotypes that others hold of us,
but also the stereotypes that we hold of ourselves.
Shirley Chisholm
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Hello Friends and Clients
Hello August. Beside the other 11 months, August is my favorite month! It's full of sunny, outdoor days, music, markets and smiling faces. There is so much going on in Bigfork and around the Valley. One especially fun event was the Bigfork Monday Market this last week. There were smiles for miles with our free giveaways--ice cold cokes, the cool retro cooler and custom "house wine" picnic packs. It really was the perfect summer event. Everyone had such a great time, we hope to do it again soon. Living in Bigfork is the best! People are everywhere this summer because they love where we live.
Regarding real estate, my questions to you are....Are you ready to down size or up size? Is it time to build your dream home? Is it time to sell and move into town or buy or build in the woods? Our market is very strong. In fact, Kalispell is one of the 10 towns in Montana that is on the national radar for a great place to live! Our inventory is still tight and once a property goes on the market, it doesn't stay long! Below, you can find our real estate market at a glance over time, but to stay truly informed up to the minute, give me a text or call and let me know your needs and wants. Whatever your real estate goals, I can help. I'll listen to you, and together, we'll set expectations based on current market conditions. Remember, not every buyer is looking for a mortgage and many buyers are looking for a safe and stable place to put their money. This is a time for new and bold thinking.
I am known for walking all the way with my clients, giving them the benefit of my knowledge and experience and I never let them slip. Times may have changed but I have not. I will help you meet your needs and we'll have some fun, too! . We can and will do it--together. Call me, we'll make it happen.
As ever, Denise
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It is not often that the Lang family is all together in one place at one time.
We were able to have a family reunion this summer with the whole bunch at Camp Lang.
It was a grand time with lots of laughter, family, great food and new memory makings.
That's what summer in Montana is all about!
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REAL ESTATE NUMBERS AROUND THE VALLEY... |
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Comparing this year’s numbers to the two ‘unicorn’ years we just experienced is not really useful. Now that the that ‘unicorns’ have galloped away, the market is slowly getting back to something we can recognize and the market is getting back to normal. Homes for Sale and Month's Supply of Homes for Sale is trending up. Median Sales Price and Median Price per Square Foot are leveling off from historic highs. New Listings show that our inventory is still tight. |
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LOCAL NEWS AROUND THE VALLEY |
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Is there anything more peaceful than tubing in Montana on a warm, sunny day? Here are 10 great Montana floats, some nearby. |
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James E. Smith built a life size replica of the prehistoric Stonehenge structure on his property in Fortine, Montana with 41 slabs of limestone. |
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Feeling stressed out? Need some peace and quiet? Here are the quietest places in the US, including Glacier National Park. |
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Trophy Homes. From Whitefish, Montana to Moab, Utah, wealthy buyers are seeking out incredible properties at lower price points. |
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NATIONAL REAL ESTATE NEWS |
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Property values have risen dramatically in Montana, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll pay higher property taxes. Here’s why. |
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Ever wonder where states' names come from? Some of them may surprise you. About Montana? You know that one! |
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Are your homebuying plans paralyzed by ‘What Ifs’? Here’s a welcome reality check that involves some eye-opening fact based information. |
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To help buyers and sellers take the market temperature, here’s what the latest real estate statistics are saying. |
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Under Contract
MLS #30008715 $152,500
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Under Contract
MLS #30010678 $999,999
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Under Contract
MLS #30011340 $435,000
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Price Improvement
MLS #30004427 Price$3,988,000
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Price Improvement
MLS #30008168 $659,000
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Price Improvement
MLS #30004424 $3,470,750
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Price Improvement
MLS #30005981 $3,490,650
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Price Improvement. A good rule of thumb is if you have shown your home 10 times and no offer comes, it may be time for an adjustment. |
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Testimonial
The experience with Denise in selling our two properties on Flathead Lake was virtually seamless. The last minute problems that arose from unexpected third parties would have been a nightmare, but with her cool and calm demeanor and years of experience our home closed escrow on time and both parties-buyers and sellers were very happy. Thank you again!!!
Brian and Bridget Riddle
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CERI says... Keep your pets cool in the summer and I have a new friend! |
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They don't call this time of year the "Dog Days of Summer " for nothing! This is typically the hottest time of the year and it's hard on all of us with four legs and fur (or hair). We don't often show signs of dehydration or exhaustion until we are really unwell. It is important for our humans to closely observe us when temperatures are high, encourage us to drink water and rest, and get us away from the sun as much as possible. I personally enjoy laying in the cool shaded grass watching the river flow by. There is often a cool breeze.
Here are some ways to avoid us getting overheated in the summer months. Brush us regularly, always have cool water available, walk us on cool surfaces and in the cooler parts of the day, offer us shade, take us swimming, and my favorite---get us a cooling vest and a cooling mat. Remember to watch our cues. If we look uncomfortable, we probably are!
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Meet my new friend and playmate, Odin. My humans rescued him and now he is part of our family. I'm not sure what that means but it sounds like a good thing. Odin knows how to stay cool in the summer. He jumps in the river. Oh, I am looking forward to causing a lot of mischief with Odin!
Odin is a Bernese Mountain Dog. My humans love them almost as much as they love me. Look forward to pictures and more details on our dear Odin in future newsletters.
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DENISE'S COOKING CORNER - Lemon Bars
Summer is the perfect time for this treat. I like to serve them with Marie de Moy champagne, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or whatever is currently in season.
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INGREDIENTS
Yield: One 9-inch pan (12 to 24 bars)
FOR THE CRUST
Nonstick cooking spray
10 tablespoons/140 grams unsalted butter, melted and cooled
¼ cup/50 grams granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 to 4 lemons
1½ cups/200 grams all-purpose flour
FOR THE LEMON LAYER
1¼ cups/250 grams granulated sugar
¼ cup/33 grams all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, room temperature
⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (from the lemons above)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
PREPARATION
Step 1
Prepare the crust: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch square metal pan with foil. Lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2
Combine the butter, sugar, vanilla and salt in a large bowl. Finely grate in the zest of 2 lemons (reserving the zested lemons for the lemon layer), then mix until well combined. While stirring, gradually add the flour and stir just until the dough comes together into a mass. Scrape into the prepared pan and gently press the dough into an even layer.
Step 3
Bake until the center is dry and the edges are golden, 15 to 18 minutes.
Step 4
While the crust bakes, make the lemon layer: Squeeze ⅔ cup juice from the zested lemons and more fruit if needed. In the same bowl used for the crust, whisk the sugar and flour. Whisk in the eggs until smooth, then whisk in the lemon juice just until incorporated.
Step 5
When the crust comes out of the oven, whisk the lemon mixture again and then gently pour it over the hot crust. Turn the oven down to 300 degrees.
Step 6
Bake until the lemon layer is set around the edges and jiggles a tiny bit in the center, about 20 minutes.
Step 7
Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate uncovered until cold and fully set, at least 3 hours. Use the foil to lift the bars out of the pan to slice. Serve cold or at room temperature. The bars can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you’d like, dust with powdered sugar right before serving.
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DENISE'S READING CORNER - West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
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A real life event embellished by a talented author is what you will find in West With Giraffes. In 1938, Hitler was invading Europe and America was grappling with a crippling depression. Woodrow, a teenager from the Dust Bowl, traveled to New York looking for adventure and a job when he saw two majestic giraffes being unloaded from a ship. The two giants were on their way cross-country to the San Diego Zoo. The 17-year-old was fascinated by the animals and felt a strong connection to them. With nothing to lose, he decided to follow the giraffes on their journey.
The way west had many challenges. The driver of the rig got spooked by a kick from one of the giraffes and ran away, leaving Woodrow alone with them. Literally being thrust into the driver's seat, he continued the journey with the giraffes. Along the way, he met a passenger posing as a photo journalist, Her name was "Red” and Woodrow was drawn to her. Through the trip, their relationship deepened. They found companionship in the journey across 1930s Anerica with its rough roads, traffic and hazards (both human and geographical).
Although this is a true story, Woodrow left no journal so the author filled in the blanks of this unusual journey creating an inspiring novel about the grace of animals, the kindness of strangers, the passing of time, a changing nation, and a story that should be told before it becomes too late.
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