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The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much;
it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.
-Franklin D. Roosevelt
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Dear Friends, Family & Clients,
As November settles in, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a happy, safe, and joy-filled Thanksgiving. May your gatherings be warm, your tables full, and your hearts even fuller.
I’m also grateful to pause and honor Veterans Day, recognizing the brave men and women who have served our country - your service, sacrifice, and dedication never go unnoticed.
This time of year naturally brings a shifting rhythm as we transition from the golden days of fall into the glow of winter. Around here, it feels especially magical. Bigfork is already gearing up for the holidays, and our village always puts on a season to remember. From Elf Prep Day and Decor Day to the Holiday Art Walk, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the Parade of Lights, I hope you’ll find time to join in the traditions that make this place so special.
On the real estate front, we also have much to be thankful for. After a challenging, drought-heavy summer, November has delivered a bountiful season of activity, with new pendings, closings, and encouraging signs of momentum - welcome news for both buyers and sellers. Market snapshots continue to show mostly upward trends year-over-year and month-over-month. What that means for you can vary depending on your property or goals, but it’s a positive indicator heading into winter.
As the temperatures drop and the days shorten, it’s the perfect moment to introduce a little “hygge” into your home - a Danish word that captures the feeling of cozy warmth and comfort. Simple touches like soft lighting, plush blankets, candles, seasonal scents, or a reading nook can transform your space into a winter retreat. After all, home is where we recharge, gather, and create memories, especially this time of year.
And as always, whether you're preparing to list, thinking about buying, or simply staying informed, I’m here to support you every step of the way. My deep understanding of the local market, combined with a track record of successfully selling over 85% of my listings each year, ensures a smooth, transparent, and confidently guided real estate experience. You can count on professionalism, market expertise, and a friendly touch - every time.
If you’d like to discuss how the current market trends apply to your property, or if you’re planning your next move, I’m just a call or email away.
Warm wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving season and a beautiful start to winter.
I’m grateful for you,
Denise
*Dinner with dear friends always fills me with gratitude!
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The Northern Lights were fantastic here in the desert this week for our short respite
...See article below in
"Local Reads"
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...and so were the spotlights on these "Sentinels"
The aurora over Lakeside was just as gorgeous as in the desert.➡️
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Our latest market data shows steady upward momentum across most categories year-over-year and month-over-month. Depending on whether you’re buying, selling, or simply watching the market,
that can mean different things for your strategy.
If you’d like a clear picture of how these trends affect your property, reach out
- I’m always happy to help interpret the numbers.
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Woman Snaps Up Entire Montana Town With Working Post Office and Charming Historic Store for $2.25 Million
The city of Pray - just 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park - was recently purchased by a local woman. The town comes with its own post office (leased by the U.S. Postal Service), a duplex, and three log cabins used as short-term rentals. It also features a charming 100-year-old general store.
In addition, the sale came with plans and approvals to build eight more dwellings.
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The Brunch at Florabella is FABULOUS!
Summer may be over, but our delicious brunch service continues every Sunday! Come and enjoy a relaxed meal with us, no reservation needed.
10 am - 3 pm
Have you had the chance to check out our latest
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Harbor Grille Fall Food & Wine Festival
Sip, Savor & Celebrate Fall! Join us at Harbor Grille’s Second Annual Fall Food & Wine Festival on November 15th from 4–8PM!
Enjoy a curated selection of wines from diverse regions, perfectly paired with delicious hors d’oeuvres. Discover new favorites and Build Your Own Case — the perfect way to stock up or find great holiday gifts! Don’t miss this evening of flavor, fun, and fall cheer.
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45 Must-See Photos Of Montana’s Northern Lights Show
If you thought Montana’s skies couldn’t get any more magical, the light show we all experienced proved us all wrong.
Whether you call them the “Aurora Borealis” or “The Northern Lights”, we were treated to a full-on cosmic ballet by the auroras in the Big Sky.
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Floor Space:
What You Can Buy for About $925,000
A peaceful property on 9 acres near Bigfork; a newly constructed residence with mountain views in Lakeside; and a newer ranch-style home in Kalispell
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October Light
An assortment of autumnal scenes
from around the Flathead
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Mark Your Calendar:
Bigfork's Holiday Magic is Coming!!
The most wonderful time of year is almost here, and our little village is ready to sparkle once again!
Here’s what’s coming up:
📅 November 15 — Elf Prep Day (8 AM – 12 PM)
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and help the Bigfork Elves prepare for another season of holiday cheer!
📅 November 22 — Elf Decorating Day (8 AM – 12 PM)
Join the Bigfork Elves as they transform the village with over 10,000 feet of garland and twinkling lights. Volunteers of all ages are welcome! Meet at the Bigfork Inn at 8 AM for warm drinks, sweet treats, and a group photo before heading out to deck the town.
🎨 Holiday Art Walk (4 PM – 6 PM)
After the elves work their magic, stroll through Bigfork’s shops, galleries, and boutiques for festive treats, local art, and holiday cheer.
🎄 Tree Lighting Ceremony (6 PM)
Gather in front of Bjorge’s Gallery as the community comes together to light the tree, sing carols, and enjoy a reading of The Night Before Christmas. It’s a moment straight out of a Hallmark movie — and one that makes Bigfork so special.
⭐ December 6 — Parade of Lights (6 PM – 7 PM)
Don’t miss this dazzling display of creativity and community spirit as the Parade of Lights winds through downtown Bigfork!
🎭 “A Touch of Christmas” at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts (7:30 PM)
After the parade, head inside for this beloved holiday performance — the perfect way to wrap up an evening of Bigfork magic.
🎅 Make a night of it -
Come early, enjoy dinner in the village, and soak in the joy of the season. Bigfork’s holiday celebrations are a labor of love — brought to life by the Bigfork Elves and our amazing community of volunteers who make this place shine year after year.
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NAR 2025 Profile of Home Buyers, Sellers Reveals Market Extremes
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10 Tips To Get Your Home Ready
For A Winter Sale
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RE: Last Month's 'Bat Monitoring' Article
Bat Species Make Up 21% of All Mammals
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November Holidays and Monthly Observances
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6 Crisp Facts About Autumn Leaves
| | | 7 Home Features That No Longer Exist | | | Here’s What to Put in Your Bird Feeder This Winter, According to an Expert | | | Gratitude At The Heart Of Why We Celebrate Thanksgiving | | | 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 extensive knowledge of the area as a long-time resident and realtor and past experience as a mortgage lender was why we chose her to represent our property! We were not disappointed! Her experience, attention to detail and negotiation and finance skills as well as her wide contact network provided the support we needed to list and close. I would highly recommend Denise for both buyers and sellers in Bigfork and the Flathead Valley.
-Jan B
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JUST LISTED & PRICE IMPROVED
283 Lakeview Drive, Lakeside
MLS #30060135 $599,000
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PRICE IMPROVED
106 Golden Bear Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30056536 $829,900
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ON MARKET
NHN Hilltop Terrace, Bigfork
MLS #30044262 $198,500
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UNDER CONTRACT
1215/1225 Sunnyside Drive, Kalispell
MLS #30043446 $705,000
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CLOSED
22154 E Lakeshore Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30056998
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JUST LISTED
Business Opportunity
MLS #30059714 $150,000
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ON MARKET
280 Shady Lane, Bigfork
MLS #30053325 $1,425,000
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ON MARKET
88/94 Parkway Avenue, Unit #B
& Boat Slip #6, Bigfork
MLS #30046246 $997,775
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UNDER CONTRACT
618 Spruce Place, Bigfork
MLS #30058383 $675,000
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CLOSED
443 Osborn Ave #206, Bigfork
MLS #30050740
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BACK ON THE MARKET
417 8th Ave W, Kalispell
MLS #30061160 $549,775
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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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CLOSED
255 Windsor Court, Bigfork
MLS #30052084
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CLOSED
6580 Edna Creek Road, Trego
MLS #30059906
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CERI'S CORNER:
-Cozy By Design
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Hey there, hoomans - it’s me, Ceri, your resident corgi-of-coziness, here to deliver some expert-level advice with maximal cuteness and minimal fluff (okay, maybe some fluff - it is about cozy things). As the days grow shorter and the chill sets in, there’s a movement afoot: the art of being snug. And let me tell you - I invented (or at least perfected) it long before you called it hygge.
First: why dogs love cozy spaces. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), many canines seek out private, enclosed spots because they trigger an instinctive feeling of safety and comfort.
My interpretation: you call it “hiding under the table.” I call it strategic comfort acquisition. Either way, the message is clear: snug = happy = worth it.
Now let’s talk about Hygge - that Danish concept of cozy comfort, warm lighting, soft textures, and contented togetherness. Fancy word. But you know what it really means? Me hitting my nap spot in the afternoon and demanding belly rubs. Yes, I call the shots.
So here’s your five-step plan (decreed by me) to bring true hygge into your home this winter:
- Soft layers everywhere. I don’t mean three throw blankets on the couch; I mean in the couch, under the couch, around the couch. You’ll thank me.
- Warm, calm lighting. That harsh overhead bulb? Off. Candles, soft lamps, maybe a little glowy string light - all acceptable. I approve.
- A dedicated retreat spot. Whether it’s your reading nook or my dog throne, design one spot you go when you need to decompress. I claim mine at 3:15 pm daily.
- Textures & warm smells. Velvet, wool, cashmere, fleece - you get the idea. Add a spritz of seasonal scent (pine, cinnamon, whatever) and you’re in full service mode.
- Presence & pause. hygge isn’t about being busy. It’s about being together - hoomans, pups, blankets, mugs of cocoa, good books, quiet music if I allow it. Let the world wait a minute.
Here’s the practicality: you’re not just making a home look nice. You’re designing comfort for both of us - us dogs are drawn to these snug environments because they evoke calm and safety - AND prepare yourself for the ultimate seasonal therapy - me, snuggling into your side like the benevolent
emotional support loaf that I am.
So go ahead, embrace cozy. I’ll be right here supervising, snuggling and shedding.
- Ceri 🐾
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DENISE'S COOKING CORNER
-Pumpkin Crumb Cake
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DENISE'S READING CORNER
-The Black Wolf
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It's November again and I have the newest Louise Penney book once more!! The last one was so good and I'm excited for this one too!
The 20th mystery in the #1 New York Times-bestselling Armand Gamache series.
Somewhere out there, in the darkness, a black wolf is feeding.
Several weeks ago, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec and his team uncovered and stopped a domestic terrorist attack in Montréal, arresting the person behind it. A man they called the Black Wolf.
But their relief is short-lived. In a sickening turn of events, Gamache has realized that plot, as horrific as it was, was just the beginning. Perhaps even a deliberate misdirection. One he fell into. Something deeper and darker, more damaging, is planned. Did he in fact arrest the Black Wolf, or are they still out there? Armand is appalled to think his mistake has allowed their conspiracy to grow, to gather supporters. To spread lies, manufacture enemies, and feed hatred and division.
Still recovering from wounds received in stopping the first attack, Armand is confined to the village of Three Pines, leading a covert investigation from there. He must be careful not to let the Black Wolf know he has recognized his mistake. In a quiet church basement, he and his senior agents Beauvoir and Lacoste, pore over what little evidence they have. Two notebooks. A few mysterious numbers on a tattered map of Québec. And a phrase repeated by the person they had called the Grey Wolf. A warning…
In a dry and parched land where there is no water.
Gamache and his small team of supporters realize that for the Black Wolf to have gotten this far, they must have powerful allies, in law enforcement, in industry, in organized crime, in the halls of government.
From the apparent peace of his little village, Gamache finds himself playing a lethal game of cat and mouse with an invisible foe who is gathering forces and preparing to strike.
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