Spring is nature’s way of saying “Let’s Party!”
-Robin Williams
Dear Friends, Family & Clients,
Are you feeling it too?
There’s something about March that feels different. The light lingers just a little longer in the evenings, the air carries a subtle shift, and even in Montana, where the seasons have a personality all their own – we begin to sense the quiet promise of spring.
March is a month that rarely arrives quietly. As the old saying goes, it often comes in like a lion, and if we’re fortunate, it will go out like a lamb… though around here we know the season is still capable of a few dramatic moments along the way.
It’s a transitional time – reflective, a little moody, (like the picture above), and full of small signals that something new is beginning. March always feels like the space between chapters to me, when the story is about to turn….
The calendar itself reflects that sense of movement. March brings Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8, celebrating the strength, resilience, and leadership of women who shape our communities and our lives.
There are also the lighter moments we look forward to like International Corgi Day on March 1 (which someone in this household takes quite seriously), Daylight Saving Time on March 8, the historic Ides of March on the 15th, St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, and International Read to Me Day on March 19. Even the night sky joins the conversation this month with a lunar eclipse, reminding us that cycles and transitions are part of the larger rhythm of life.
March marks the arrival of tax season too, which naturally brings renewed focus for many homeowners and investors. With Montana’s updated property tax structure now in effect, this is the time of year when long-term strategy matters. Whether you’re reviewing projections for 2026, evaluating how a property is classified, or simply wanting clarity around changes here in Flathead County, it’s worth taking a moment to understand the landscape, and we’ve attached notice of a discussion taking place on the 28th of March if you’re interested -see below.
We’re also seeing new regulatory shifts in real estate, including the upcoming FinCEN anti-money laundering reporting requirements for certain transactions. Like many industry updates, it’s simply part of an evolving landscape and a reminder that thoughtful guidance matters more than ever.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, several beautiful properties are preparing to come to market, each in its own stage of readiness. Photography is being scheduled, marketing is being crafted, and the stories behind these homes are taking shape before they’re introduced. – If selling has been on your mind, now is actually the ideal time to begin the conversation. Spring marketing timelines and photography schedules are approaching quickly, and thoughtful preparation always leads to stronger results.
And as always, if you’re considering a move – whether next month or next year – I will walk every step of the way with you, offering guidance, strategy, and steady support throughout the process.
For now, we’ll watch the days grow longer, enjoy the rhythm of March, and look ahead to the promise of spring in the Flathead Valley.
Warmly,
Denise
The Montana real estate market is gaining momentum this spring, with steady buyer activity and fresh opportunities across our region. As we head into March, it’s a great time to evaluate your goals – whether you’re thinking about listing, searching for the right property, or simply staying informed on market trends.
I’m always happy to provide current insights, strategic guidance, and the local expertise you need to move forward with confidence in 2026. Let’s start the conversation and create a plan that works for you.
LOCAL READS
As a courtesy to our clients and community, we are sharing the following announcement regarding an upcoming meeting about property tax changes that have impacted many property owners in our area. We hope this information is helpful to those who may wish to learn more or participate in the discussion.
Please see the attached image for full details..
Butte St. Patick’s Day Parade & Celebration
Butte has a strong Irish history from its mining days. The copper mine brought thousands of Irish immigrants to the area and their cultural impact on Butte never faltered. Still today, nearly a quarter of Butte’s population is of Irish decent.
Consider celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day in the “most Irish place in the U.S.”!
Events kick off with a parade in historic Uptown Butte at 12pm. And don’t miss all the other fun eventsthrought the day and the city!
10 Best U.S. Mountain Towns to Live In Year Round
According to Real Estate Experts
It’s not surprising to see Montana towns on lists of some of the best places to live. After all, our state has a lot to offer. What is surprising is when you see a top-ten list, and three Montana towns are on it.
Travel + Leisure has put together a list of the top ten best U.S. mountain towns to live in, and Montana is well represented.
Newsbreak weighs in on the conversation:
‘I’m Home:’ Paralympic Snowboarder Brenna Huckaby Finds
Community in the Flathead Valley
The three-time gold medalist made the move to Kalispell nearly four years ago and has since leaned on her newfound “village” as she prepares for her third Winter Paralympic Games.
“I’ve lived in so many different places, but I’m really, really grateful to call Kalispell home and raise my family here,” Huckaby said. “I don’t foresee myself going anywhere.”
Monarch Meditation: Butterfly Struggles To Survive With Loss Of Habitat
The monarch butterfly is iconic in North America – but in Montana, it is a rare sight.
That’s why when Bigfork landscaper Kathy Ross discovered monarchs breeding in a client’s Kalispell garden last summer, she knew it was extraordinary.
Ross, a conservationist and citizen scientist, said eight monarch caterpillars were initially found and the season ended with four butterflies taking flight from the garden, adding to a population that has faced severe declines over the decades.
The Top 9 Small Adventure Towns in the U.S. – Bigfork is on the LIst!
At first glance, Bigfork is a lake town, sitting on the edge of the massive Flathead Lake, which has 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. And it has plenty of kayaking and fishing for those that are water inclined. But it’s also a hiking town, with quick access to the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the Flathead National Forest, and numerous state parks.
Want a little adrenaline? Bigfork is also the basecamp for whitewater adventures on the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River. Oh, and Bigfork is just an hour from the West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park. So is Bigfork a lake town? Yes, but it’s also so much more.
Western Montana Dogs Shine at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
NEW YORK CITY — Western Montana made a significant impact at this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, with four dogs from the region earning invitations and all finishing impressively in the ribbons.
Jann Butler from Five Valley Kennel Club explained the significance of the invitations. “In order to be invited, you have to be in the top five of your breed or what they call the national special team winner. So to have these dogs in such close proximity was kind of crazy,” said Butler.
Daylight Saving Time in Montana 2026
Seasons are changing in Montana, and that means it’s time for more sunshine and longer days. Here’s what you need to know about Daylight saving time.
Daylight saving time starts this Sunday, March 8, at 2:00 a.m. Even though we’re losing an hour of sleep, the good news is that it will get dark later, and give Montanans a chance to enjoy more sunshine. Before you go to bed on Saturday night, you’ll want to set all of your clocks ahead one hour.
NEWSY READS
Documents Homeowners Need To File Their Taxes for the Maximum Refund
They Didn’t Vanish – Nearly 80% of Millennials in These 3 Metros Are Snapping Up Homes
Saint Patrick’s Day 2026:
History, Folklore, Recipes, and Ideas
Women’s History Month 2026
Did People in the Middle Ages
Really Believe the Earth Was Flat
12 Shakespearean Phrases
We Still Use Today
How To Prep Your Garden for Spring
While It’s Still Winter
Gardening To-Do List for March
Springboard Into Real Estate Investing:
A Beginner’s Guide to Your First Property
Pricing Your Home Right:
Strategies For A Successful Spring Sale
Some Plants Can ‘Hear’
Awesome shots taken of the Red Moon in Desert Hot Springs Coachella Valley!
ACTIVE LISTINGS
TESTIMONIAL
We worked with Denise and team to sell our home in tandem with completion of a new home construction, and as many new construction projects do, it ran over, and we didn’t get our house on the market when we wanted. But even with that late timeline, Denise helped us dial in the asking price, get aggressive, and sell the house even during the slow season while the market range our house was in had been declining. She understood us, gave us the real story, and pulled off the sale. We couldn’t have asked for more.
-Sam S.
UNDER CONTRACT
106 Golden Bear Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30056536 $829,900
CLOSED
Business Opportunity
MLS #30059714 $150,000
JUST LISTED
1673 Whitefish Hills Drive, Whitefish
MLS #30064158 $1,495,000
JUST LISTED
417 8th Ave West, Kalispell
MLS #30065579 $549,775
UNDER CONTRACT
32 Peaceful Court, Bigfork
MLS #30065055 – Rep Buyer
UNDER CONTRACT
5095 Highway 2 W, Columbia Falls
Off Market
UNDER CONTRACT
44 Windward Loop, Kalispell
MLS #30065190 – Rep Buyer
CLOSED
255 Windsor Court, Bigfork
MLS #30052084
DIGITAL RESOURCES
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.
CERI'S CORNER
-A Small Dog’s Thoughts on Big Brothers
Hello friends, it’s Ceri here.
Before we begin, I’d like to point out that March 1st was National Corgi Day. A holiday that, frankly, should be celebrated for at least a week… possibly a month. I accepted extra admiration, several compliments about my magnificent sploot, and a few well-earned treats in honor of the occasion.
As it turns out, even the most celebrated Corgis share their homes with others.
In my case, that would be Odin – my very large, very gentle big brother. Odin is a Bernese Mountain Dog and a three-time rescue, which means our home is his third one, and Mom & Dad are his third set of parents.
Around here we take that responsibility seriously.
Odin has a big heart and, like many dogs who have had a few chapters before finding their forever home, he carries a little anxiety with him. So our household runs on the things that help him feel safe: calm routines, plenty of food, familiar voices, predictable days, and plenty of quiet reassurance when the world feels overwhelming – that in this house there will always be enough and he will always be loved.
Naturally, I supervise most of this.
The hoomans were recently reading an article about how dogs form their closest bonds with people. It talked about how trust grows from the simple things – patience, consistency, and the feeling of being understood. If you’re curious, you can read it here or in the link above:
👉 How Do Dogs Choose Their ‘Favorite’ Human?
That part made sense to me. Dogs notice the quiet things hoomans do – especially rescue dogs. They remember kindness. They remember who shows up. And eventually, they relax into the comfort of belonging.
Odin is still a little sensitive sometimes, but he’s also one of the sweetest souls you could meet.
Around here we make room for big feelings, big paws, and big hearts.
And every pack needs that…
Even one led by a very small – but extremely capable Corgi.
With affection (and excellent leadership),
Ceri 🐾
PS: I thought this graphic was fun in honor of Odin! Who are you as a BMD?
DENISE'S COOKING CORNER
-Tortizzas
DENISE'S READING CORNER
-Nobody's Girl
Nobody’s Girl is not an easy read, but it is an important one. Amy Wallace, the co-author of this book, shares Giuffre’s story with raw honesty, forcing us to confront the darkest corners of human exploitation and cruelty. While difficult at times, Giuffre’s voice is powerful and necessary; reminding us that understanding these realities is the first step toward compassion, awareness, and change.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The unforgettable memoir by the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre, the woman who dared to take on Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell
“Make no mistake: this is a book about power, corruption, industrial-scale sex abuse and the way in which institutions sided with the perpetrator over his victims. . . . But it is also a book about how a young woman becomes a hero. . . . Important [and] courageous.” —The Guardian
The world knows Virginia Roberts Giuffre as Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s most outspoken victim: the woman whose decision to speak out helped send both serial abusers to prison, whose photograph with Prince Andrew catalyzed his fall from grace. But her story has never been told in full, in her own words – until now.
In April 2025, Giuffre took her own life. She left behind a memoir written in the years preceding her death and stated unequivocally that she wanted it published. Nobody’s Girl is the riveting and powerful story of an ordinary girl who would grow up to confront extraordinary adversity.
Here, Giuffre offers an unsparing and definitive account of her time with Epstein and Maxwell, who trafficked her and others to numerous prominent men. She also details the molestation she suffered as a child, as well as her daring escape from Epstein and Maxwell’s grasp at nineteen. Giuffre remade her life from scratch and summoned the courage to not only hold her abusers to account but also advocate for other victims. The pages of Nobody’s Girl preserve her voice – and her legacy – forever.
Nobody’s Girl is an astonishing affirmation of Giuffre’s unshakable will – first, to claw her way out of victimhood, and then to shine light on wrongdoing and fight for a safer, fairer world. Equal parts intimate and fierce, it is a remarkable narrative of fortitude in the face of depravity and despair.