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We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why.
-Stephen King
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Dear Friends,
As October deepens it's spell, there’s something magical in the air - and not just from the crunchy leaves or early flutters of snow. Our Flathead Valley is rich with stories of long-ago residents, whispered legends, and historic homes where spirits are said to linger. The famed Conrad Mansion in Kalispell is one of those: Alicia Conrad’s apparition, soft footsteps in the night, and cigar smoke drifting in halls past closing time have all become local lore.
If you’d like to experience the mystery firsthand, I invite you to book a ghost tour at the mansion this month (tickets here: Conrad Mansion Ghost Tours). Walk their halls, listen to the tales, and see whether you sense what others have claimed.
Our downtown office, (480 Electric Avenue), will be welcoming trick-or-treaters from 4-6 pm, and it will be fun for mom and dad too if you stop by for a spooky adult libation during Bigfork's annual Trick or Treating. As someone who loves Halloween as much as I do, I can’t wait to see the costumes, share some laughs, and maybe even whisper a ghost story or two.
And yes, Ceri is watching too - she reminds us below, that many dogs do not share in the same Halloween fun. So let’s keep candy, wires, and hazards well out of reach for our pups and give them a quiet space when the spookiness begins.
We’ve already had a taste of winter with that early cold snap and snow this week. But the valley is still showing off its fall colors in full glory - tamaracks weaving gold through the pines, aspens glowing on hillsides. It’s a fleeting moment of brilliance before winter’s hush.
On the real estate side of things, we have some welcome movement: mortgage interest rates recently dipped to an 11-month low, giving buyers breathing room and renewed hope. We’re also seeing motivated sellers making price adjustments to stand out...and for sellers, that means positioning matters: if your home is well-staged, in good repair, and smartly priced, you still have a strong chances even as market dynamics shift.
Tamarack Days was fabulous last weekend by the way - the weather held, energy was high, and yes, my stuffed mushrooms were a huge hit, winning 2nd place in the appetizer category! It remains one of my favorite local traditions!
As always, if you’re thinking of buying, selling, or simply curious about your home’s value, I’d love to connect. Clients become friends, and I walk beside you with knowledge, integrity, and heart all the way.
Wishing you a cozy, pumpkin-spiced fall, full of warm light, golden leaves, and maybe a friendly ghost or two (on tour, not in your closet 😉.
Warmly,
Denise
*The Appetizer Table for Tamarack Days in front of Glacier Sotheby's - My Shrimp Scampi and Stuffed Mushrooms featured at the end - Yum, Yum!!
*And Below, a few fun shots of life currently:
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2nd place for my stuffed mushrooms at Tamarack Days
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Waiting too long at a Ferndale bus stop
| | The colors at Camp Lang change | | |
Our Quarter 3 Market Snapshot:
Inventory Grows, Buyer Activity Increases, and Pricing Adjusts Across Flathead & Lake Counties
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Stewardship In Action:
Bat Monitoring On Conserved Lands
Montana’s private landowners have long been stewards of the landscapes that define our state. Today, many are strengthening that commitment by protecting the wildlife that call it home, including one of our most important but often misunderstood species: bats.
Tucked along a quiet stretch of the Swan River in the Flathead Valley, the Kellogg’s property is a unique habitat making it a critical wildlife corridor linking the Swan and Mission Mountains; the kind of place where wildlife still moves freely between the mountains and the valley.
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The Best Small Towns In Montana
To Relax In 2025
A state defined by its wide-open spaces and diverse terrain ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains, Montana is best known for its "big sky" natural beauty and vast landscapes. Additionally, the state is also recognized for its historical significance as a gateway to the Wild West. Montana’s small towns, too, uphold this rich legacy, with their bustling downtowns, booming main streets, and authentic Old West charm....And Bigfork is on the list!!
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The Best Small Town in Every State
Few resort towns are as idyllic as Whitefish. While the town is just a 35-minute drive away from the entrance to Glacier National Park, there’s plenty of natural beauty to admire in Whitefish itself. During the winter, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers prime snowboarding and skiing opportunities, while in the warmer months you can rent a boat or kayak out on Whitefish Lake
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The Montana Dinosaur Trail
This statewide trail runs across Montana and consists of 14 locations from the Montana Dinosaur Center in Bynum to the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka. Each location offers a glimpse at the historic discoveries in the state and provides visitors with a better understanding of the giants that once inhabited our planet.
In Montana, we are privileged to host some of the richest dinosaur fossils, and the state boasts some of the most important discoveries and renowned paleontologists.
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5 Unbelievable U.S. Train Routes
Trains are making a comeback and it's easy to see why. Ease of travel, inexpensive rates, and gorgeous scenery makes traveling the rails incredibly attractive.
Following the old trail of Lewis and Clark, the Empire Builder is a 46-hour journey through the heart of the Midwest and Glacier National Park. Departing from Chicago, heading on to Portland or Seattle for an urban ending to the “big sky Montana” leg of your journey, and be sure to send us pics!
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Tourism to Glacier National Park Pumps $656M into Local Economy
A new National Park Service report shows visitor spending supported 5,190 jobs in Glacier’s gateway communities last year, while contributions to the national economy amounted to 340,100 jobs and $18.8 billion in labor income.
By the time the snow flew in Glacier National Park’s high country last fall, nearly 3.2 million people had visited northwest Montana’s premier outdoor attraction during the first 10 months of 2025. Through November and December, park officials clocked an additional 20,000 visitors to round out the second-busiest year in Glacier’s 115-year history.
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Mark Your Calendar,
The Bigfork Elves Decorating Day Is Coming Up!
Bigfork is a community built on volunteerism. The Bigfork Elves exemplify this each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving when they deck the town with over 10,000 feet of garland and lights. Elves of all ages and experience levels will meet at the Bigfork Inn at 8am for warm drinks and sweet treats before taking a group photo and heading off to adorn the village.
The Bigfork Elves are an army of volunteers who have been around for more than 40 years and are looking for new recruits. New volunteers start with no rank but quickly progress from Lieutenant to Captain to Major and ultimately to General with each year of service. Who can be an Elf? Absolutely anyone! Bring your family and friends to Bigfork to partake in this beautiful tradition; all you need are warm clothes, gloves, and a touch of Christmas spirit.
The magic continues at 4pm when the shops, galleries, and boutiques invite you in for the Holiday Art Walk. This is an opportunity for young and old to stroll through town, taking in the freshly hung lights and garland while enjoying wine, treats, and sales. Bigfork. The Tree Lighting Ceremony concludes the day at 7pm. Family, friends, strangers, and neighbors gather around the giant tree in front of Bjorge’s Gallery to sing Christmas carols. Children of all ages are then called up front for a reading of The Night Before Christmas. The entire evening is like a scene from a Hallmark Christmas movie and so quintessentially Bigfork, it is sure to become one of your holiday traditions.
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93% of Americans Say Housing Costs Are Too High -
And These Are The Factors They Blame
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Cash Buyers Call the Shots
at Both Ends of The Market
| | | Autumn Was Once Called 'Harvest' | | | Count Dracula Was Inspired By Vlad The Impaler Of Transylvania. | | | |
Jane Goodall, famed primatologist and conservationist, dies at 91
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A Volcanic Explosion Caused A
'Year Without A Summer' in 1816
- And Inspired Frankenstein
| | | 15 Dog Breeds Incredibly Smarter Than Others in Recognizing Human Language | | | October Gardening To-Do List | | | 2025 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 Mid-Year Luxury OutlookSM delves into the pivotal, forward-looking issues shaping luxury residential property markets around the world. | | |
TESTIMONIAL
Denise’s expertise in the market was evident from our first meeting. She knew the details of every home in the neighborhood I was interested in. She took the time to understand my preferences, which made it easy to find exactly what I wanted.
She stayed on top of every step in the process, and was fantastic with communication. She promptly answered calls, texts and emails, and was always available for me.
When faced with challenges, Denise handled them with ease. She informed me of all available options, then supported my decisions. With patience and confidence she was able to get what was in my best interest. I felt like her top priority throughout the entire process, and I would not have secured this dream home without her expertise, patience, and incredible dedication. Thank you Denise!
-Delia
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JUST LISTED
618 Spruce Place, Bigfork
MLS #30058383 $675,000
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PRICE IMPROVED
1215/1225 Sunnyside Drive, Kalispell
MLS #30043446 $725,000
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ON MARKET
280 Shady Lane, Bigfork
MLS #30053325 $1,425,000
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JUST LISTED & UNDER CONTRACT
22154 E Lakeshore Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30056998 $865,000
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ON MARKET
73 River's End, Bigfork
MLS #30053960 $4,250,000
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ON MARKET - COMMERCIAL
5095 Highway 2 W, Columbia Falls
MLS #30031804 & 30031985 $595,000
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PRICE IMPROVED
106 Golden Bear Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30056536 $838,685
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ON MARKET
1000 MT Highway 82, Somers
MLS #30053780 $1,795,000
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ON MARKET
285/280 Shady Lane, Bigfork
MLS #30046169 $5,498,750
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ON MARKET
NHN Hilltop Terrace, Bigfork
MLS #30044262 $198,500
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ON MARKET
88/94 Parkway Avenue, Unit #B
& Boat Slip #6, Bigfork
MLS #30046246 $1,047,775
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UNDER CONTRACT
443 Osborn Ave #206, Bigfork
MLS #30050740 $874,880
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UNDER CONTRACT
255 Windsor Court, Bigfork
MLS # 30052084 $1,223,880
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UNDER CONTRACT
417 8th Ave W, Kalispell
MLS #30043792 $549,775
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CLOSED
33731 Westview Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30052154
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CLOSED
12862 Rainbow Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30053418
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CLOSED
33435 Quarter Circle Way, Bigfork
MLS #30047632
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COMING SOON
Business Opportunity
& Lakeside Home
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CERI'S CORNER:
-When Mischief Meets Halloween
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Hello Friends, it’s your pal Ceri here, raising an eyebrow (or a paw) at all the Halloween shenanigans... it’s that time of year again - when the hoomans start putting skeletons in the yard, pumpkins on every surface, and weird costumes on me that I didn't ask for...so us pups start plotting mischief.
Now I’m off to cause a kerfuffle...but don’t worry - I’m not knocking over candy bowls (yet). But between spooky doorbells, strange costumes, and all that crinkly candy, October can really get us pup’s tails in a twist.
Here’s the deal: Halloween is fun… for you. For us dogs? It’s loud, smelly, and full of confusing things that look like snacks but aren’t. (I’m looking at you, mini Snickers.)
So before the goblins take over, our friends over at Kinship have some Halloween prep ideas to help get us four-legged crowd through the "fun"....You can read more of their thoughts here:
7 Surprising Things Dog's Hate About Halloween
Create a calm “no-ghoul zone” for your pups - somewhere quiet when the trick-or-treaters start knocking.
Keep candy way out of reach - even the best of us can’t resist a shiny wrapper.
Let us sniff the decorations early so we know that creepy scarecrow in the yard isn’t out to get us.
Practice beforehand - let your pup sniff your costumes before the big night so they aren’t surprised.
Limit exposure to triggers -turn off motion-activated decorations or lights when not in use.
Update our ID and check our tags - In case your pup bolts, having current tags or microchips is critical.
🦴 And maybe toss us a treat or two that won’t send us to the vet, okay?
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got pumpkins to inspect and squirrels to chase — it’s all part of my very important fall mischief mission.
🎃 Happy Howl-oween 🎃
Ceri
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DENISE'S COOKING CORNER
-Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet
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DENISE'S READING CORNER
-The Secret of Secrets
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This propulsive, twisty, thought-provoking masterpiece kept me on the edge of my seat and in suspense until the very end. I couldn't put it down.
Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, travels to Prague to attend a groundbreaking lecture by Katherine Solomon—a prominent noetic scientist with whom he has recently begun a relationship. Katherine is on the verge of publishing an explosive book that contains startling discoveries about the nature of human consciousness and threatens to disrupt centuries of established belief. But a brutal murder catapults the trip into chaos, and Katherine suddenly disappears along with her manuscript. Langdon finds himself targeted by a powerful organization and hunted by a chilling assailant sprung from Prague’s most ancient mythology. As the plot expands into London and New York, Langdon desperately searches for Katherine . . . and for answers. In a thrilling race through the dual worlds of futuristic science and mystical lore, he uncovers a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.
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