To this day I believe we are here on Earth to live, grow, and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.
Rosa Parks
Dear Friends,
I hope this finds you well—whether you’re enjoying Montana firsthand or following along from afar.
To my fellow locals, I think we can agree: this year’s 4th of July was one to remember—and not just for the fireworks! The skies opened up and gave us a classic Flathead summer soaking. Yes, it made for some soggy celebrations, but the silver lining? Our lake levels are up, and the mountains are still green—a small trade-off for all that beauty we love.
It was such a joy to see so many familiar faces at the Bigfork Parade! Whether we got to chat for a bit or just exchange a quick wave and a smile, those connections are truly the heart of what I do—and they mean the world.
As we settle into the heart of summer, I want to share a few updates and offer some encouragement—especially for those of you keeping a close eye on the real estate market and the tax issue.
Yes, things have slowed compared to the whirlwind pace of past years. But slower doesn’t mean stalled—it means opportunity. For buyers, this is a moment of real possibility. Inventory is strong, meaning more choices, less competition, and room to take a breath while finding the right fit. For sellers, strategy is key—and I’m here to help you position your property thoughtfully, attract the right attention, and move forward with confidence.
There’s also a shift on the horizon when it comes to Montana’s property taxes—and it’s worth paying attention to. The state recently passed legislation that will provide up to $400 in annual tax relief for many homeowners who use their property as a primary residence. The goal is to offer a little breathing room for full-time Montanans….But it’s not across the board: second homes, short-term rentals, and certain commercial or industrial properties may see an increase, as the tax structure shifts away from residential owners toward those other categories.
What does this mean for you? That depends on how you use your property—your bottom line could be impacted more than you think. Don’t skip the notes I’ve made below—deadlines are tight, and this could seriously affect what you pay.
As always, I’m with you every step of the way. I love making new friends and helping old ones find just the right next chapter. Whether you’re selling a longtime home, dreaming of a summer escape, or simply exploring the market—let’s connect. I bring expertise, perspective, and a sense of calm to every transaction, and I’m always honored to be part of your journey.
Wishing you a joyful July—full of sunshine (hopefully!), sweet moments, and maybe even your next great chapter.
Warmly,
Denise
Here is the monthly update for June – July!! Our market here is holding very strong and showing a solid uptrend from January through today.
It’s a great time to be in the market – whether you’re buying or selling!
LOCAL READS
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS
Take Action if Needed
By now, you should have received your new property assessment from the State of Montana. It’s part of a statewide effort to realign property values—but it’s also something you don’t want to ignore.
First things first: take a close look at your assessment. If the numbers feel off or don’t reflect your property’s true value, you have the right to protest – but there’s a 30-day deadline from the date on your notice, so timing matters!
To file a protest, head to: Flathead County Montana – Property Taxes
Scroll to the “Protest Form” and click the green download button.
You’ll need to include comparable property sales to support your case, and if you need help finding those, just reach out – I’d be happy to assist.
Also important: these values will influence your future tax bills, even though the new mill levy hasn’t been finalized yet. So this is your one window to make sure everything is accurate before those numbers get locked in.
For Montana residents – don’t forget the new Homestead Form! You can find Instructions here:
Declarations of Homestead Instructions
Filing this helps qualify you for the resident tax rate and possible refunds.
You’re not in this alone. Tax talk can be tricky, but I’m here to help you navigate it all – one step at a time. Let’s make sure your investment is protected and your assessment reflects reality.
Here are a couple more articles that may help bring clarity as well:
How Montana’s New Second-Home Tax Could Shift Your Property Tax Bill
This State Just Cut Property Taxes for Homeowners -by Making Second Homes and Big Business Pay Instead
Montana just pulled off a rare political feat, one that only a handful of states across the country are attempting to do: They’re cutting property taxes for regular homeowners without shrinking the state’s revenue.
The catch? Second-home owners, refineries, and utility giants are being handed the check.
Montana’s Fastest Growing Town,
And it Isn’t Bozeman
Even though things may have slowed down a little on the “Montana Migration”, folks are still moving here, and several Montana towns are seeing significant growth. We’ve talked about places like Billings, Bozeman, Kalispell, and Missoula have been flooded with new residents, but it’s not just those towns that are seeing massive growth.
Agency Grants Special Use Permit to New Owners of Holland Lake Lodge
The U.S. Forest Service announced that it had approved a special use authorization for Holland Lake Lodge in May. The permit was formally granted to Holland Peak, LLC on July 1. The owners are tentatively planning to reopen the lodge in 2026.
Bigfork Festival of the Arts
August 2, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
2025 celebrates the 47th year for the annual Bigfork Festival of the Arts, a favorite among artists and visitors alike. Our well attended Festival fills the village of Bigfork with a fine selection of art, crafts, food, music and other entertainment on both Saturday and Sunday.
You are invited to be a part of this special weekend. Many exhibitors have declared that this is their favorite show of the summer!!
NEWSY READS
Home Prices May Be Down in Some Areas, But Don’t Expect Your Property Taxes To Do the Same
Bask in These Sun-Kisses Summer Idioms
Little-Known Facts About the Declaration of Independence
Where Did the United States Get Their Names?
National Bison Month: From Conflict to Conservation
6 Female Rulers Who Deserve More Recognition
Four Critical Selling Tips as Housing Inventory Rises
Eight Tips for Choosing a Great Realtor
13 of the World’s Coolest Dogs and What Makes Them Stand Out
DIGITAL RESOURCES
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
ACTIVE LISTINGS
TESTIMONIAL
Denise, you did a wonderful job with the sale of my little condo! Your determination & pursuit of figuring out the odd stuff that came up periodically was incredibly impressive. Your efforts & time were most appreciated!
– Kim
JUST LISTED
73 River’s End, Bigfork
MLS #30053960 $4,250,000
JUST LISTED
12862 Rainbow Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30053418 $2,750,000
JUST LISTED
298 Kuzmic Lane, Coram
MLS #30053479 $747,775
JUST LISTED & REDUCED
D-36 Slip, Eagle Bend Yacht Harbor
MLS #30053274 $350,000
JUST LISTED
33731 Westview Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30052154 $1,000,000
JUST LISTED & REDUCED
255 Windsor Court, Bigfork
MLS #30052084 $1,325,000
JUST LISTED
22 Hills Lookout Court, Whitefish
MLS #30041313 $2,250,000
MAJOR PRICE DROP
88/94 Parkway Avenue, Unit #B
& Boat Slip #6, Bigfork
MLS #30046246 $1,195,000
PRICE IMPROVED
1204 Marion Hubbart Spur, Marion
MLS #30039569 $1,995,365
PRICE IMPROVED
1215/1225 Sunnyside Drive, Kalispell
MLS #30043446 $794,000
PRICE IMPROVED – COMMERCIAL
5095 Highway 2 W, Columbia Falls
MLS #30031804 $595,000
PRICE IMPROVED
417 8th Ave W, Kalispell
MLS #30043792 $559,775
PRICE IMPROVED
NHN Hilltop Terrace, Bigfork
MLS #30044262 $209,500
ON MARKET
443 Osborn Ave #206, Bigfork
MLS #30050740 $898,760
ON MARKET
12284 Cygnet Way, Bigfork
MLS #30049763 $2,200,000
CERI'S CORNER
-Talk to the Paw (But Maybe Use AI)
Hi again, hoomans. It’s me—Ceri, your resident corgi correspondent, here to share something wildly interesting I sniffed out this week (okay fine, Denise found it, but I’m taking partial credit).
Apparently, scientists are now using artificial intelligence to try and translate animal language. Real ones. Like “understand what whales are saying” and “figure out what all those bee wiggles mean” kind of stuff.
This article in Science Focus says AI might even help decode what us dogs are trying to tell you.
I’ve got just one question: What took you so long?!
We’ve only been trying to tell you things for centuries. Me personally? I’ve been shouting important corgi updates on everything from doorbells to suspicious squirrels to the fact that it’s dinner o’clock RIGHT NOW, and what do I get? “Shhhh, Ceri.” ….So rude!
But now? Oh, now you want to understand us. Now you want to listen. Suddenly it’s all “what is my dog trying to say?” and “does my cat really love me?” (Spoiler: probably not. Cats are complicated.)
Let me make it easy for you: We’ve been talking. You just weren’t paying attention.
I, for example, have a very advanced communication system. There’s my “someone’s at the door” bark. My “that squirrel is taunting me again” growl. My “I would like a bite of that sandwich immediately” stare. And, of course, my “you left me for seven minutes and now I have abandonment trauma” sigh.
Highly sophisticated… Possibly Nobel-worthy.
So, while I appreciate the effort—yay science, go tech, etc.—I do have one tiny concern. What if AI finds out just how much we’re saying behind your backs?
What if your parrot starts spilling secrets?
What if your goldfish has opinions?
What if your dog finally tells you who actually chewed the throw pillow? (Wasn’t me, by the way.)
Still, I’m intrigued. If this fancy AI means you’ll finally understand that when I bark at 3 a.m., it’s not “nothing” (it’s ghosts, obviously), then maybe it’s worth it.
Just promise me this: when the machines translate “woof” into “you forgot to fill my treat jar again,” don’t act surprised.
Until then, I’ll keep doing my part—herding, supervising, and offering my usual excellent commentary on every single delivery truck that dares enter our neighborhood.
Speak soon,
Ceri
Chief Bark Officer, Translator in Training
DENISE'S COOKING CORNER
- Cowboy Spaghetti
DENISE'S READING CORNER
-Prodigal Summer
In considering the significant decline of firefly population in some regions, I just had to revisit this intriguing bestseller this summer… what seems innocent in trying to control nature, always has consequences beyond our purview…
“A blend of breathtaking artistry, encyclopedic knowledge of the natural world. . . and ardent commitment to the supremacy of nature.” — San Francisco Chronicle
In this beautiful novel, Barbara Kingsolver, New York Times bestselling author of Demon Copperhead and The Poisonwood Bible, weaves together three stories of human love within a larger tapestry of lives inhabiting the forested mountains and struggling small farms of southern Appalachia.
Over the course of one humid summer, as the urge to procreate overtakes the lush countryside, this novel’s intriguing protagonists—a reclusive wildlife biologist, a young farmer’s wife marooned far from home, and a pair of elderly, feuding neighbors—face disparate predicaments but find connections to one another and to the flora and fauna with whom they necessarily share a place. Their discoveries are embedded inside countless intimate lessons of biology, the realities of small farming, and the final, urgent truth that humans are only one piece of life on earth.