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Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
Robert Frost
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Dear Friends,
November ushers in our beloved Christmas Village and our Bigfork community is already preparing for the Christmas Elves to work their magic! For over 40 years, this cherished tradition has transformed our town into a festive wonderland. As lights go up and decorations appear, the Christmas spirit grows stronger, reminding us of the joy in gathering and celebrating together. Wherever this season finds you, I hope you enjoy safe, heartwarming celebrations filled with gratitude and good company.
Did you know that reading for as little as six minutes before bed can reduce stress by up to 68%? This simple habit is shown to ease the mind more than walking, setting the stage for better rest and a faster path to sleep. So, as the days grow colder and nights longer, consider cozying up with a good book before bedtime. I always do and I'm very excited about this month's read! It’s a calming way to unwind, especially as we enter this busy holiday season!
Is Winter the right time to sell you home?
While it’s common to think of spring as the ideal season for real estate, winter can offer distinct advantages for those ready to sell. Here’s why a winter listing could be the right move for you:
- Create an Inviting Winter Haven: Winter provides a wonderful opportunity to make your home feel like a cozy retreat. From a crackling fireplace to tasteful seasonal touches, these details create a welcoming atmosphere that makes buyers feel instantly at home. Highlighting features like efficient heating or a newly updated fireplace can help potential buyers envision a warm, inviting future in your property.
- Serious Buyers Only: Buyers willing to search during winter often come prepared and motivated to make a move. Many have been pre-approved and want a smooth, efficient process, making winter an ideal time to connect with committed, ready-to-act buyers.
- Stand Out with Less Competition: The winter market sees fewer listings than other times of the year, meaning your property will face less competition. With fewer homes available, your listing is more likely to stand out and capture the attention of buyers who are actively searching.
- Catering to Relocators: Many companies schedule employee relocations for the end of the year, and these buyers are often eager to settle before January. Listing now means you’re positioned to attract these motivated buyers, helping you reach closing faster and with fewer delays.
Selling in winter isn’t just possible—it might be your opportunity to get a higher offer and a quicker sale. Let’s discuss how to showcase your home’s best features and make the most of the season!
Whether you're buying your dream home or preparing to sell, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My extensive knowledge of the local market, coupled with a commitment to collaborating closely with buyers’ agents under the latest NAR guidelines, ensures a smooth and transparent transaction. With a proven record of selling over 85% of my listings each year, my focus is to help you navigate the process with confidence, professionalism, and a friendly approach.
Let’s connect to discuss your real estate goals, and let’s make this season a successful one for you.
Here’s to cozy evenings, good books and plenty of cheer!
Warmly,
Denise
Photo Credit: Hunter D’Antuono
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Bigfork Elves Decorating Day!
It's time to turn Bigfork into Montana's Christmas Village! Join the Bigfork Elves for this 40+ year tradition where volunteers of all ages are sure to have a jolly good time!
Saturday, November 23rd at the Bigfork Inn at 8 AM.
Bulb Twisting, Bow Making, and Tree Gathering takes place this Saturday, November 16th at the Garden Bar at 8 AM
Elf HQ is in front of the Bigfork Inn where elves of all ages will meet for announcements and a group photo at 8 AM. This is also where you will pick up your lights for the area you are decorating.
We will have:
🎅🏻 Santa Hats for Volunteers
🎅🏻 Pre-packaged danishes
🎅🏻 Coffee/hot chocolate
🎅🏻 “Beverage Babes” making the rounds with Coffee and Hot Chocolate
🎅🏻 Hot Chili Feed at the Garden Bar to warm you up after decorating
🎅🏻 Insignia Pins for years of service upon surrender of your last rank pin at the front of the Inn AFTER decorating is done
Save the date for Undecorating Day too!
- January 25, 2025
Thank you for being the Best Darn Christmas Elves a Village could ask for!!
Check the Here or Here for Details
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Below are Last Weeks Statistics for Flathead and Lake Counties: | |
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Bigfork's Holiday Art Walk and Stroll
And Tree Lighting Ceremony
The village will have just been decorated for Christmas by the Bigfork Elves, so come back at 4pm on November 23rd to revel in the majestic lights while you browse our local art community. Galleries will be offering libations and food to tide your appetites, then be sure to stay until 7 p.m. for the official Bigfork Tree Lighting and music.
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Fireball lights up the Montana sky
Many Montanans saw a bluish-green flash in the Big Sky Wednesday morning.
The Montana Learning Center in Canyon Ferry has a meteor sensor that captures videos and photos. At exactly 6:34 a.m., the system recorded the likely fireball many people saw.
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Bigfork Chamber - Bridge Street Bridge Update:
Utility relocation work has already begun. Northwestern Energy is currently working to relocate the gas line. Preparations to relocate the remaining utilities are also underway. All utilities are anticipated to be moved by early winter 2024. This is a critical step because utilities must be moved off the existing bridge before its removal and subsequent installation of the new bridge.
An open house celebration is planned for November 21, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bigfork High School. At the event, the community will have the opportunity to learn more about the upcoming bridge replacement and ask questions directly to the project team. More details about the open house can be found in the link.
Stay tuned for further updates as the project progresses!
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Tourism Report: Flathead County Records Highest Annual Nonresident Spending in Montana
According to a two-year average captured in 2022 and 2023, annual statewide spending by nonresident visitors totaled $5.82 billion, including $1 billion in Flathead County; at nearly $2 billion, more than one third of all tourist spending was concentrated in the Glacier Country travel region
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Trader Joe’s Eyes Expansion in Montana, Plans for Future Growth
Trader Joe's is a grocery chain that is ranked as one of the best in the country. Currently Montana doesn't have any locations. That looks like it is going to change, eventually.
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Northwest Montana Book Festival in Kalispell to Welcome Readers, Writers and Book Lovers
This Sunday, the Northwest Montana History Museum will host the first Northwest Montana Book Festival, an event geared towards readers and writers that Davis said is focused on showcasing regional writing, and regional writers.
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Why Do We Vote in November?
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Most Homebuyers Don’t Have a Child Under Age 18 at Home:
The Income a Family Needs To Live Comfortably in the U.S.
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The 15 Best Foods to Eat When You’re Sick
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200 New Words and Definitions Added to
Merriam-Webster.com
We’ve added 200 new words and definitions to our iconic dictionary – maybe not a beach read, but worthy of a For You page and nearly as irresistible as street corn. All the additions have demonstrated widespread use over time, and offer a window into the world today.
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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 | |
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TESTIMONIAL
Denise,
We've bought and sold 6 homes and you are the best! It was a pleasure doing business with you and John, thank you so much! I am serious, you are the best realtor we've ever had! - Barb & Bob
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SOLD
1397 Kelley Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30032306
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SOLD
105 Green Chain, Bigfork
MLS #30032442
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SOLD
441 2nd Street W, Kalispell
MLS #30027345
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SOLD
14317 Bug Creek Road, Bigfork
MLS #3003084
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SOLD
475 Lake Loop Drive, Kalispell
MLS #30032744
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SOLD
740 Wolf Creek Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30028172
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IS IT ME YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?
443 Osborn Avenue Unit #106,
MLS #30032615 / 30033555
$224,885 (Bigfork)
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IS IT ME YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?
NHN Hilltop Terrace
MLS #30023040 $249,625
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IS IT ME YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?
Orvis Evans Drive Unit #3. Bigfork
MLS #30030379 $549,000
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CERI'S CORNER: PET FRIENDLY TRAVEL
-What to Look For:
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If you haven’t noticed, it seems like more and more hotels are embracing us furry friends, and honestly, I’m all for it! According to Larry Olmsted’s article in Forbes, (read here), the pet-friendly travel trend is only getting better. Hotels are realizing that we dogs (and our hoomans) love to travel, and it’s about time we get the VIP treatment we deserve.
Gone are the days when you’d have to sneak in your pet or be subjected to the "standard" dog-friendly room that felt more like a leftover closet than a cozy getaway. Now, hotels are offering stylish accommodations for both hoomans and their pets, making sure everyone has a good time.
Let me tell you about some of the best things a pet-friendly hotel offers. First of all, there’s the all-important welcome package. Some hotels have started offering personalized pet amenities like beds, bowls, and even special treats just for us. Forget about that sad, half-chewed tennis ball I used to get; now I get gourmet dog snacks that taste like they were made with the finest ingredients. It’s like they know I have a refined palate.
Plus, as Olmsted mentions, many pet-friendly hotels are working hard to make their properties truly inclusive for animals, offering features like pet-friendly dining options, designated walking areas, and even on-site pet spas. Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m a low-maintenance corgi who enjoys a good game of fetch, but I could definitely get used to a spa treatment once in a while. Can you tell I just had one in this photo?
Then there are the hotel staff. I’ve had some of the most delightful encounters with hotel staff who are as excited to meet me as they are to greet my hooman. From offering belly rubs to making sure I’m comfortable in the room, they really go above and beyond. And honestly, if they’re nice enough, I might just give them a few puppy-dog eyes in return.
When I book a pet-friendly hotel, I have a few key things I look for to make sure it’s a pawsome experience:
- Room Size and Comfort: Let’s face it, us corgis are compact but mighty, and we need space to stretch out....besides, my brother Odin isn't so compact! A good pet-friendly hotel will offer a room that’s large enough for me to roll around in and maybe do a few zoomies around. The bed should be comfy, too. If it’s a plush pillow-top mattress, I’m going to be extra happy.
- Location, Location, Location: It’s important that the hotel is near a park or has a pet-friendly walking trail. The last thing I want is to be cooped up inside when there’s a whole new world to explore.
- Pet Concierge: Some places even have a pet concierge, which, let me tell you, is the best idea ever. They’ll tell you where to go for the best dog parks, recommend pet-friendly cafes, or even help with finding a pet-sitter if my hooman has plans that don’t involve me (how rude!). It’s basically like having your own personal assistant, but for my tail.
- Cleanliness: I get it—hoomans don’t want to stay in a room full of fur. But here’s the thing: I want a hotel that understands we don’t always have the best manners when it comes to shedding. So, I love when hotels go the extra mile with proper cleaning protocols to make sure both my parents and I have a pleasant stay.
Okay, I’m not going to lie: some hotels still charge a pet fee. But honestly? It’s totally worth it. These fees often go toward making the hotel a better place for pets (I mean, it’s not like I expect to pay nothing for my luxury vacation). Plus, I know I’m getting a premium experience, so I’m happy to contribute to making the next stay even better for pups like me.
In conclusion, I have to say that staying at a pet-friendly hotel is pretty pawsome. There’s something special about traveling with your hooman and staying in a place that gets you. It’s clear that the pet-friendly hotel trend is not just a passing phase; it’s here to stay, and I, for one, am here for it!
So, next time you’re planning a trip, make sure to check out some of these pet-friendly gems. Who knows, maybe I’ll see you at the dog park or hanging out in the lobby, where I'll no doubt be making new friends. And remember, if you ever need any travel tips from a well-traveled corgi like myself, I’m always here to lend an ear—or a tail.
Happy travels!
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DENISE'S COOKING CORNER
- The Perfect Thanksgiving Appetizer
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DENISE'S READING CORNER
-The Grey Wolf
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The Instant #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
And the 19th mystery in the #1 New York Times-bestselling Armand Gamache series.
Relentless phone calls interrupt the peace of a warm August morning in Three Pines. Though the tiny Québec village is impossible to find on any map, someone has managed to track down Armand Gamache, head of homicide at the Sûreté, as he sits with his wife in their back garden. Reine-Marie watches with increasing unease as her husband refuses to pick up, though he clearly knows who is on the other end. When he finally answers, his rage shatters the calm of their quiet Sunday morning.
That's only the first in a sequence of strange events that begin THE GREY WOLF, the nineteenth novel in Louise Penny's #1 New York Times-bestselling series. A missing coat, an intruder alarm, a note for Gamache reading "this might interest you", a puzzling scrap of paper with a mysterious list—and then a murder. All propel Chief Inspector Gamache and his team toward a terrible realization. Something much more sinister than any one murder or any one case is fast approaching.
Armand Gamache, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, his son-in-law and second in command, and Inspector Isabelle Lacoste can only trust each other, as old friends begin to act like enemies, and long-time enemies appear to be friends. Determined to track down the threat before it becomes a reality, their pursuit takes them across Québec and across borders. Their hunt grows increasingly desperate, even frantic, as the enormity of the creature they’re chasing becomes clear. If they fail the devastating consequences would reach into the largest of cities and the smallest of villages.
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