|
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Lao Tzu
| | |
Dear friends, family, and valued clients!
What a month it’s been already! For those of us here in Montana, we’ve certainly experienced the full range of weather—from those heavy snowstorms to the rapid melt-off and sun, followed by this spring rain that is now soaking the ground. This spring transitional season is a time of renewal, growth, and fresh starts and always a time to look forward to those first spring flowers emerging.🌷
As we start into spring, the real estate market is starting to see its usual surge too. In Montana, we historically see a significant upswing in listings this time of year, and this year is no exception. I've got properties coming on the market all over the valley and it’s an exciting time to buy or sell, especially with more properties hitting the market daily and plenty of buyers eager to make their move before summer arrives. If you're considering listing your home, now is a fantastic time to get it ready for the spring rush.
Beware the Ides of March!
Here at the midpoint of the month, let's not forget the historical significance of March 15th, famously known as the Ides of March—the day Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. A day that has lived in infamy for over two millennia, it serves as a reminder to beware the unpredictable shifts life can take.
On a more modern note, we also have Daylight Savings Time to contend with this month. While the extra daylight is a welcome change, the shift can be tough on our bodies. Studies show that losing an hour of sleep can disrupt our circadian rhythms and affect our health. In fact, the week following Daylight Savings sees a significant increase in heart attacks, strokes, and workplace injuries, as our bodies take time to adjust. So be kind to yourself as you adapt—getting outside for fresh air and soaking up that extra sunshine can help you reset.
But Never Fear – The Irish Are Here...March 17th brings a cheerful antidote in the form of St. Patrick’s Day. While Daylight Savings may make things a bit tough, the Irish know how to lift our spirits with a bit of luck, rainbows, and perhaps even a pot of gold. Whether you're enjoying a pint of your favorite brew or celebrating with friends and family, the fun and festivities are a reminder that, no matter what challenges come our way, there’s always something to smile about.
In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve included a recipe for one of my favorite comfort dishes: Potato Leek Soup. This hearty, flavorful soup is the perfect dish to celebrate the season, and it’s sure to warm you up on those chilly spring days when the weather can’t quite make up its mind and it’s a great way to keep the luck of the Irish close by while you enjoy a cozy meal!
As we gear up for warmer weather, brighter skies, and more opportunities, I encourage you to embrace the spirit of the season. The Montana real estate market is active, and I’m here to support you through your journey. Whether you’re buying your dream home or selling your current property, I’m committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. My deep knowledge of the local market, combined with my dedication to working closely with buyers’ agents, means we can move forward with transparency and confidence. With a track record of successfully selling over 85% of my listings each year, partnering with me gives you a strong advantage in today’s competitive market.
Ready to make a move? Reach out to me anytime—I’m here to help you every step of the way!
Warmly,
Denise
Photo Credit: Kay Bjork
Trumpeter swans frequent Swan Lake and the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge.
| | There are plenty of great activities hosted by The Chamber and other fabulous businesses in Bigfork, so be sure to join and follow so you don't miss a thing! | |  | | | | | |
Below you will find the latest statistics for properties in the area:
| | |
The 'Front Porch Of The Rockies' Is A Secret Montana Mountain Town For Remarkable Views & Adventure
Let's be honest: It's hard to compete with Montana when it comes to raw, soul-stirring nature. The Intermountain West's biggest state is an amazingly rich place when it comes to outdoor wonder, which includes craggy mountains, rivers, glaciers, deep valleys, forests, and blue freshwater lakes.
| | | |
7 U.S. Destinations with Mild Summer Weather
If you’re fantasizing about a destination where summer means mild temperatures and comfortably enjoying a wealth of outdoor activities, there are some fabulous places to consider including Glacier National Park
| | | |
Just Announced:
A Taste of Ireland:
The Irish Music and Dance Sensation
At the Wachholz Center
| | | |
An Exciting March at the
Wachholz College Center
Plenty of exciting things happening at the Wachholz Center - Check here for all
Events and Performances
| | |
| | |
Glacier National Park Information and Vehicle Reservations for Summer 2025
To enhance visitor experience, the National Park Service will implement a vehicle reservation system for Glacier National Park’s 2025 peak season, as in years past. New this year: vehicle reservations are for one day only, and are for a selected timed entry. From June 13 through September 28, 2025, timed-entry vehicle reservations are required for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
| | | | |
This Is the Best Time To Sell Your Home: Lower Mortgage Rates and Inventory Bump ‘Inject Life Back Into the Market’
| | | |
Consumer Guide:
What Goes Into Pricing Your Home
| | | |
6 Illuminating Facts About
Daylight Saving Time
| | | Why Spring's daylight saving time could be ruining your sleep (and your mood) | | | How Did March Get Its Name? | | | |
Holy S---! Cursing Linked with
Increased Tolerance to Pain
| | | When Will You Need a REAL ID To Travel? | | | Is “Gonna” in the Dictionary? | | | How tariffs could affect America's new homes market | | | |
What Is the Origin of
“Beware the Ides of March”?
| | | Monty the Giant Schnauzer wins Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show | | | 11 Fun Winter Activities With Dogs That Will Have You Both Howling With Joy | | | 2024 LIVE Montana is now on the stands! The link to the digital version is included below and you can pick up a physical copy at your office. | | Our Digital Listing Catalogue is also a great option. Bookmark the link above so you can keep on eye on what's been recently listed and sold | | |
Year in Review:
It's the Glacier Sotheby's 2024 Annual Market Report.
This is a great place to see how far the reach is and what I can do for you through the Sotheby's platform!
| | The 2025 Sotheby's Luxury Outlook is out as well - here is a link to preview the newest issue | | |
TESTIMONIAL
Denise does not have to “fake it until she makes it.” She has done this before. She has the qualities that make her the ultimate broker for my purchase: integrity, deep knowledge of the Flathead, experience, contacts, anticipation, and a great sense of humor.
Thank you Denise for guiding me all along the way, from discovery to closing. Your diligence and professionalism gave me confidence in a positive outcome. I loved working with you.
-Dave K.
| | |
JUST LISTED
1066 Lake Pointe Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30043203 $229,000
| | |
PRICE IMPROVED
25 Whalebone Court, Kalispell
MLS #30039058 $969,000
| | |
NEW LISTINGS IN:
Bigfork, Kalispell, Marion,
Columbia Falls & Whitefish
| | |
IS IT ME YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?
Orvis Evans Drive Unit #3. Bigfork
MLS #30030379 $549,000
| | |
UNDER CONTRACT
222 Log Yard Court, Bigfork
MLS #30039226 $636,850
| | |
BACK ON THE MARKET
5095 Highway 2 W, Columbia Falls
MLS #30031804 $650,000
| | |
CLOSED - Represented Seller
1000 Highway 82, Somers
MLS #30036842
| | |
CLOSED - Represented Seller
191 Mill Street, Bigfork
EXEMPT FROM MLS
| | |
NEW LISTINGS
LAUNCHING SOON
| | |
CERI'S CORNER:
- Get Outside & Exercise
| | | Hey, friends! It’s your girl, back again with some fun updates! Winter is giving way to spring and I know what you're thinking—it's cold, wet and soggy outside. You're probably snuggling up on the couch with a blanket (and maybe a few treats from last month). But hey, even though the weather's still chillier, it’s important to stay active, right? I mean, I’m a professional napper, but I know that getting outside and burning off some of that energy feels pretty awesome too. Plus, my hoomans say it’s good for me.
So, what’s the secret to staying fit during these still frosty months? Our friends at Daily Paws have some great snow ideas here that can be fun anytime of year, but especially if you wanted to get up in the mountains and find some of that beautiful snow that's still hanging around.
Now I know you're thinking, that doesn't look like snow....Yep, you're right, we escaped the snow and soaked up some sunshine for a bit. But even when we're not basking in the warmth, I’ve got some great tips for staying active—no matter the temperature.
When the snow falls, I’m all about that snowy fetch. There’s something magical about running through a blanket of snow, chasing after a ball, and letting the cold air fill my lungs. It’s like a mini workout, and I love every second of it. And hey, if it’s really snowing hard, we’ll sometimes swap out fetch for a good ol’ game of hide-and-seek with my favorite toys. I use my sniffers to track ‘em down, and I never give up until I find every single one!
But then spring’s rain means the snow is mostly melting, and the puddles are forming. Puddles. You know what that means, right? Splashing around in them! I’m definitely no stranger to the wet and wild world of spring showers. A good walk in the rain can be super fun. I don’t mind getting a little soggy when I’m sniffing out all the fresh smells that come with the season. Plus, chasing raindrops and rainbows is always a laugh!
Now, let’s talk about the best part of the changing season: the sunshine that starts peeking through the clouds. There’s something magical about those first warm days when the grass starts to grow and the flowers begin to bloom. I love walking with my hoomans and stretching my legs after those long winter months. The fresh air, new smells, and longer days mean there’s more time for outdoor adventures—whether it’s a stroll through the neighborhood or exploring a new trail.
But when it’s still too unpredictable out there, just move the fun inside. A good tug-of-war session always gets my heart racing, and I’ll admit—I’m very competitive when it comes to pulling that rope. It’s a great way to keep me moving and burn off some of that extra energy (without all that mud). Plus, hide-and-seek works just as well indoors too—though I have to admit, sometimes my hoomans get really good at hiding things.
Whether it's winter or summer (or somewhere in between), staying active with your hooman is one of the best ways to stay healthy and happy. So, if you're still bundling up for snow days, or sneaking away for sun or even enjoying the spring rain, take some time for fun activities like fetch, tug-of-war, or a good walk to keep your muscles moving. And if you're lucky enough to catch some sun like me, embrace it—those sunny moments are the perfect time to lift your spirits after the long winter months and that pesky time change!
Stay wagging, my friends, and enjoy your adventures—wherever they may take you!
Until next time, Ceri
| | |
DENISE'S COOKING CORNER
- Potato Leek Soup
| | |
DENISE'S READING CORNER
- Circe
| | |
A great book for Woman's History Month and International Woman's Day
#1 New York Times Bestseller -- named one of the Best Books of the Year by NPR, the Washington Post, People, Time, Amazon, Entertainment Weekly, Bustle, Newsweek, the A.V. Club, Christian Science Monitor, Refinery 29, Buzzfeed, Paste, Audible, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Thrillist, NYPL, Self, Real Simple, Goodreads, Boston Globe, Electric Literature, BookPage, the Guardian, Book Riot, Seattle Times, and Business Insider.
In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child -- not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power -- the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.
Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.
But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.
With unforgettably vivid characters, mesmerizing language, and page-turning suspense, Circe is a triumph of storytelling, an intoxicating epic of family rivalry, palace intrigue, love and loss, as well as a celebration of indomitable female strength in a man's world.
| | | | |
