“In Vino Veritas”
This phrase, attributed to the Roman philosopher and writer Pliny the Elder, means
“in wine, there is truth.”
Pliny may have had weightier topics in mind, but the Latin phrase is still applicable as long as people continue to let secrets slip out after a few glasses of happy-hour wine.
Dear Friends,
“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” -Oscar Wilde
Changing leaves, changing seasons… and a changing real estate markets—yikes! September is a month of transitions, both in nature and in our daily lives. As we settle into the rhythm of fall, it’s worth pausing to remember that September also holds moments of reflection—especially the observance of 9/11, which reminds us how precious and resilient our communities can be.
The first day of fall is September 22nd, and Bigfork is already starting to show its seasonal magic. Our mornings are crisp and cool, while the afternoons still carry the soft warmth of Indian summer—perfect for an evening bonfire or a quiet hike along your favorite trail. The crowds of summer have drifted away, and school is back in session, bringing a sense of calm and routine. Before my next newsletter, we’ll be celebrating Tamarack Days, one of my personal favorites (anything that combines fabulous food and brilliant recipes has my heart!).
This season of change can also be the perfect time to explore a new chapter in real estate. With thoughtful planning and the right guidance, moving into a new home or securing an investment property is entirely achievable. While interest rates do influence decisions, they shouldn’t be your only guide. The best plan is to step back and consult with trusted experts—your agent and lender—and base your timing on solid information.
Right now, our local market has an interesting rhythm—there’s plenty of inventory, which is giving buyers the breathing room to explore their options and make confident, creative offers. At the same time, well-positioned homes are still moving quickly, while many others are finding their way to the closing table after at least one price adjustment. It’s a season where preparation and strategy truly matter.
That’s where I come in. Whether you’re dreaming about your next home or considering selling your current one, I’m here to guide you through every step. My goal is to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible, with clear communication, market insight, and a personal touch that puts your needs first—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
If you’ve been thinking about making a move, or simply want to talk through your options, I’d love to connect. Let’s make this beautiful season a time of exciting new beginnings.
Warmly,
Denise
Our August Market Snapshot:
Inventory Grows, Buyer Activity Holds Steady, and Pricing Adjusts Across Flathead & Lake Counties
LOCAL READS
Montana’s St. Regis Travel Center
Sold To New Owners
Since 1962, nestled just off Interstate 90, about 70 miles outside of Missoula, the scenic St. Regis Travel Center has stood as a welcoming oasis. Travelers come from all around the nation to stop and take a break and get a nationally recognized milkshake.
Bigfork Voters Approve
Fire Department Bond and Mill Levy
Along with the rest of Flathead County, service calls for the lake town’s department have significantly increased over the past several years. The department reports that it has already seen a 10% increase in calls this year compared to last, with over 80% of those calls for critical Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
The Most Scenic Train Trips In The U.S.
Before the interstate opened and air travel became more affordable, the most relaxing (and fashionable) way to travel the United States was by train. Some of those epic train trips still exist and there’s still nothing quite like the unhurried pace of riding the rails as you enjoy breathtaking views of the American landscape.
History buffs will love a ride on the Empire Builder. The route traces parts of the Lewis and Clark Trail from the heart of America, through Montana’s Glacier National Pass, to the towering evergreens of the Pacific Northwest.
7 Of The Best Lake Towns In The U.S.
Coastal beach towns get a lot of attention, understandably so. But the interior of the U.S. is dotted with hundreds of sparkling lakes, from Utah’s salty behemoth to New York’s eleven fingers. With thousands of miles of lakeshore to explore, there are quite a few wonderful lake towns prime for visitors.
Situated in the heart of Montana along Flathead Lake, Bigfork is perfectly sandwiched between Glacier National Park to the north and the town of Missoula to the south. This lake lover’s paradise tempts travelers with snow-capped peaks, a plethora of watersports, and First Peoples heritage.
Who’s Your Favorite In Bigfork?
The annual Best of Bigfork competition has started! The Bigfork Eagle and the Bigfork Chamber will bring us the winners in late October.
Don’t forget to go vote starting September 24th!
I’m so honored to be nominated as Best Realtor—thank you for thinking of me! When voting opens, I’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to cast your vote my way. 💙
And, in true proud mom fashion… while you’re there, please show some love to Drake and the incredible team at Saketome—they’re up for recognition too and couldn’t be more deserving!
The link is in the image above
As we mark the anniversary of 9/11, we pause to honor the lives lost and the courage shown on that day—a moment in history that reshaped our nation, but also revealed its deepest strength: community. In the days that followed the attacks, firefighters from across the country, including some from right here in Montana, traveled to New York to aid in the overwhelming recovery efforts at Ground Zero. Their willingness to step forward in a time of unimaginable loss speaks volumes about the spirit of service that lives in communities like ours.
Here in Bigfork, our fire department and local residents continue to honor that legacy with annual memorial ceremonies—quiet reminders that even in the face of tragedy, we stand together. It’s a powerful reflection of the kind of community pride we share here: one rooted in compassion, courage, and the enduring belief that we show up for each other.
You Know I Love Food So Naturally, I Love Tamarack Time & It’s Coming Up!
Everyone’s family has that secret recipe, passed down from generation to generation. Tamarack Time! in Bigfork is the perfect occasion to flaunt your signature dish. Drop off your favorite dish in one of the 13 categories by noon for judging. The tasting opens to the public at 1 pm, and your $5 pass lets you sample all the entries.
This amateur food competition is open to the public and invites the Flathead Valley to come down and enjoy this great event- and the great food! Hosted in the fall, this event takes place along Electric Avenue in Downtown Bigfork annually. Tamarack Time! is always the second Saturday of October.
Want to get involved with Tamarack Time! There are three fantastic ways to do it:
- Chair a food category! Help make Tamarack Time! a success by rallying your friends, family, and strangers to submit a dish in that category. The day of all you need to do is man the table, with a couple volunteers you recruit, to receive the entries and serve tastings to the public.
- Be a judge! Cleanse your palate and sharpen your taste buds, and get ready to dive into Bigfork’s finest homemade culinary delights. Judging takes place from 12:15-12:45pm and the competition is fierce. Meet at Eva Gates at 12 sharp!
- Enter your best dish, or dishes! Whether you’re known for a particular dish, the keeper of a closely guarded family recipe, or just a home chef with a creation you can’t wait to share, bring it down to Tamarack Time! to see how it stacks up. There are 13 food categories and you can enter in as many as your heart desires.
For more information or to sign up to be a chair or judge, contact
Toot Sward at golfinggirl@hotmail.com or 406-471-0903
NEWSY READS
Buyers In “Best Position Since 2020” Says NAR
Ready To Sell? Here’s The Listing Agreement Explained
September Was Originally The Seventh Month Of The Year
September Gardening To-Do List
What Did A House Cost During The Baby Boom?
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Road Trip Inspired The Interstate Highway System.
Love Your Pet To Death? Why And How To Create A Pet Trust
What Does “Emoji” Mean?
10 Things Dogs Do When They Feel Deeply Connected To Someone
ACTIVE LISTINGS
TESTIMONIAL
Thank you for believing in my credentials to push this forward. You are a special and resourceful agent who I am grateful to have had by my side through this transaction!
-John W
JUST LISTED
106 Golden Bear Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30056536 $848,685
BACK ON MARKET
& PRICE IMPROVED
255 Windsor Court, Bigfork
MLS # 30052084 $1,249,000
PRICE IMPROVED
1000 MT Highway 82, Somers
MLS #30053780 $1,795,000
ON MARKET
280 Shady Lane, Bigfork
MLS #30053325 $1,425,000
PRICE IMPROVED
618 Spruce Place, Bigfork
MLS #30054350 $710,000
ON MARKET
73 River’s End, Bigfork
MLS #30053960 $4,250,000
ON MARKET
22 Hills Lookout Court, Whitefish
MLS #30041313 $2,149,000
ON MARKET
12284 Cygnet Way, Bigfork
MLS #30049763 $1,975,000
PRICE IMPROVED
1215/1225 Sunnyside Drive, Kalispell
MLS #30043446 $735,000
ON MARKET
NHN Hilltop Terrace, Bigfork
MLS #30044262 $198,500
ON MARKET
88/94 Parkway Avenue, Unit #B
& Boat Slip #6, Bigfork
MLS #30046246 $1,097,775
ON MARKET
285/280 Shady Lane, Bigfork
MLS #30046169 $5,498,750
ON MARKET
417 8th Ave W, Kalispell
MLS #30043792 $549,775
ON MARKET – COMMERCIAL
5095 Highway 2 W, Columbia Falls
MLS #30031804 & 30031985 $595,000
PENDING
12862 Rainbow Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30053418
UNDER CONTRACT
D-36 Slip, Eagle Bend Yacht Harbor
MLS #30053274 $310,000
UNDER CONTRACT
443 Osborn Ave #206, Bigfork
MLS #30050740 $874,880
UNDER CONTRACT
33731 Westview Drive, Bigfork
MLS #30052154 $1,000,000
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
CERI'S CORNER
-Planning For What-ifs
Hi friends, it’s me—Ceri…and Odin
Normally, I’d be reporting on very important topics like tennis balls, snack distribution schedules,
and how to achieve the perfect nap rotation.
But this week has been…different.
My big brother Odin (you know, the enormous fluff who thinks he’s a lap dog) decided to eat something he shouldn’t have and now he’s not feeling so hot. He’ll be okay (my hoomans are on it, of course),
but it got my little corgi brain spinning:
What happens to us pets if something happens to our people?
I know, it’s not the cutest thought—but it is an important one. If my hoomans weren’t around, who would know that I like my kibble gently fluffed and my belly rubs clockwise only?
Who would make sure Odin doesn’t eat random “yard treasures” or steal steak off the counter?
Here’s what my legendary ears have picked up from our friends over at Britannica Money:
- Some humans set up pet trusts—real legal documents that make sure money and instructions are in place if they can’t be there. That means vet visits, food, and snuggles are guaranteed.
- Vet bills are getting ruff (I read it in The New York Times while lying on my mom’s laptop—very cozy). Planning ahead or even looking into pet insurance can keep things from getting scary if someone like Odin swallows a mystery “snack” again.
- Most important: choose a trusted hooman who knows our routines, our quirks, and our favorite toys. Write it down. Make it official. It’s like a love letter to your furry family.
I don’t like thinking about life without my hoomans—but I love knowing they’ve thought about life for me!
And that’s what planning really is: love in advance.
Okay, serious stuff over. I’m off to check on Odin (and also steal the comfy spot on Mom’s lap while he’s distracted).
With love and licks always,
Ceri
DENISE'S COOKING CORNER
- Salmon Cakes
DENISE'S READING CORNER
-Revisiting Tony Hillerman
This month, I revisited two classics by Tony Hillerman—The Blessing Way and Dance Hall of the Dead. Hillerman’s writing remains as sharp and evocative as ever, drawing readers deep into the landscapes of the Southwest and the cultural richness of the Navajo and Zuni people.
What struck me most while reading is how clearly these stories remind us that when we live in harmony with the land and respect those around us, things tend to fall into place. When we ignore or fight against that balance, problems inevitably follow. Hillerman weaves this truth seamlessly into his mysteries, showing us that setting and culture are not just backdrops but guiding forces in his characters’ lives.
Revisiting these early novels was not only a literary pleasure but also a timely reminder of the wisdom found in honoring both environment and community. Hillerman’s work is proof that classics deserve to be read—and re-read.
For readers who enjoy mysteries with a strong sense of place, cultural depth, and a detective who works with patience and intuition rather than brute force, Hillerman’s early novels remain rewarding. The Blessing Way feels like the cautious beginning of something special, while Dance Hall of the Dead makes it clear that Hillerman had found his voice. Both stand the test of time and offer an excellent entry point into a series that continues to be beloved decades later.
If you’re looking for a late-summer read, these are well worth picking up.