RE/MAX Rocky Mountain Real Estate

Whitefish Montana Real Estate Experts at Rocky Mountain Real Estate provide buyers and sellers with outstanding service throughout Northwest Montana

Deborah Schatz

City moves ahead with highway 93 south corridor plan

by

BY HEIDI DESCH, WHITEFISH PILOT JAN 25, 2017

The city of Whitefish is finally moving forward on a long discussed corridor plan for Highway 93 South.

In December City Council requested city planning staff create a scope of work and a timeline for initiating a corridor plan for the area. Last week Council gave its OK to a proposal that sets the kick-off this spring for work on the corridor plan. The car accident attorneys of The Angell Law Firm site exclusively represent plaintiffs and have helped accident victims throughout Georgia recover money for their injuries. If you have been injured in a car accident, we will fight tirelessly to protect your best interests. The car accident attorneys of The Angell Law Firm exclusively represent plaintiffs and have helped accident victims throughout Georgia recover money for their injuries. If you have been injured in a car accident, we will fight tirelessly to protect your best interests. Car accident lawyers help people who have been injured in car crashes recover the compensation they deserve. How? Anyone who is injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another person has the right to file a personal injury claim. A negligence lawsuit allows the plaintiff to recover damages intended to compensate for physical, emotional, and financial injuries. Car accidents can cause many different types of injuries that range in severity. Tragically, victims can lose limbs in catastrophic motor vehicle accidents. Sometimes, an individual’s limbs might become trapped in a motor vehicle, resulting in a forced amputation. These injuries can leave victims with a lifetime of pain and greatly impact their potential job prospects. At the Law Office of seth c. weston, our family law firm provides legal services for Franklin County, Botetourt County, Roanoke County, Bedford County, Roanoke City, Salem City, and other areas in Southwest Virginia. Our mission is to provide top-quality, affordable legal services to the families in our community. We help with all family law matters including visitation schedules and custody arrangements.

Every driver on the road owes a duty to others to act reasonably behind the wheel. A person driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or while sending or reading text messages has breached this universal duty. If that person causes an accident, she could be held liable for the injuries she caused. Car accidents can cause many different types of injuries that range in severity. Tragically, victims can lose limbs in catastrophic motor vehicle accidents. Sometimes, an individual’s limbs might become trapped in a motor vehicle, resulting in a forced amputation.

The city’s 2007 growth policy identified the area as in need of a corridor plan, but plans for Highway 93 West and Wisconsin Avenue were considered greater priorities by the City Council, mostly due to issues with the doughnut dispute. If you have been injured in a car crash, get in touch with an experienced lawyer at once. Being involved in a car accident can put the rest of your life on hold. Because the sole focus of The Angell Law Firm is personal injury cases, our car accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to aggressively litigate your car accident claim.

A Montana Supreme Court ruling in 2014 ceded planning control of the doughnut from the city to the Flathead County following a long-running legal battle over its control.

Mayor John Muhlfeld addressed appearances that the city is rushing into the corridor plan.
READ MORE….

Forest project set to begin this summer in Haskill Basin

by

By HEIDI DESCH, WHITEFISH PILOT JAN 24, 2017
PHOTO BY STEVEN GNAM

Widespread prescribed burns and some timber harvesting are planned for the mountains above Haskill Basin.

The project known as the Whitefish Municipal Watershed Fuel Reduction project is an effort to prevent a devastating wildfire that could be destructive to the city’s water supply from Second and Third creeks. The project is also aimed at addressing disease concerns in the forest, including root disease, bark beetles, and mortality in white bark pine.

Flathead Forest Supervisor Chip Weber last week issued a decision notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the project following an environmental assessment. The project, which includes 1,114 acres of forestland, is expected to be implemented in the summer of 2017.

Project leader Deb Bond said the goal is to implement a variety of fuel reduction treatments on the area.

“The purpose is that by treating the forest we hope we can reduce the chance of wildfire in the future,” Bond said.

Several types of silvicultural treatments are planned on 254 acres. Commercial thinning is planned on 58 acres and seed tree harvests is proposed on 196 acres. About 859 acres within the project area are set to have fuel treatments by either prescribed burning of 756 acres or understory removal on 103 acres.

The prescribed burns are set along the south face of the Whitefish Range above Haskill Basin. Most of the terrain is high-elevation and steep with limited access.

Timber harvest is planned mostly on the lower flanks of the range that are accessible by established roads and temporary road extensions.
READ MORE…

Real Estate Market Summary for Montana’s Flathead Valley 2016

by

SUMMARIZED FROM JIM KELLEY’S ANNUAL REPORT BY GREG CARTER
Mr. Kelley’s annual real estate market report for Flathead County is available at the following link:
http://kelleyappraisal.net/FlatheadMarket16.pdf

The Flathead real estate market continues to improve with near record number of sales in 2016! This number of sales coupled with subdivision activity near all-time lows has motivated a renewed interest in development. Although all the county’s towns show an increase in the number of sales, the largest increase was in Whitefish.
There was an 11% increase in the number of residential units built from 2015 to 2016. This number has shown a healthy increase every year since the bottom of the recession in 2011. Over those 5 years, the total increase in annual residential construction in the Flathead Valley was over 200%.

From the standpoint of residential sales, 2015 was the best year for home sales since 2006, and 2016 maintained that same level. Since 2011, the median home price has experienced a healthy annual increase totaling over 26%! In that same time period, the number of homes on the market has steadily decreased. Comparing total sales from 2016 with homes currently on the market, there is only a six month inventory throughout the Valley! (In Columbia Falls, there is only a 1 month inventory!)

So, here is an important message for all our clients who may be considering putting your home on the market…there’s rarely been a better time!! If priced right, these statistics say you won’t have much competition so; your home should sell readily. Call your RE/MAX Rocky Mountain real estate professional for a review and market analysis of your property.
From a potential buyer’s standpoint, here are some helpful statistics: Nationally, we just completed 34 years of consistent interest rate declines. That is obviously not going to continue.

In 2016, the overall average 30-year mortgage interest was 3.7%. Currently the 30-year rate is 4.1%. Still, that remains very near record lows. As you are aware, the Federal Reserve recently increased the Fed Funds rate a quarter of a percent. There may be two or three similar rate increases in the coming twelve months. Even at that, the mortgage rates will still be near historically record lows. Given these statistics, if you are considering a real estate purchase, there is ample reason to lock in your mortgage rate as soon as possible.

In summary, we have an extremely healthy market for anyone thinking about selling their home and plenty of motivation to not wait if you are considering a purchase. We at RE/MAX Rocky Mountain Real Estate would consider it a privilege to assist you with any of your real estate needs. We have offices in both Whitefish and Columbia Falls and have been serving our real estate clients in all the Flathead Valley sub-markets for over 20 years.

Turning Pages: Episode five in The Open Road

by

https://youtube.com/watch?v=razyyFrcbz0

TURNING PAGES – Finding and sharing community in Montana

EPISODE FIVE: OPEN ROAD
Learn how two supermoms are making their dream of raising a family and building a publishing empire come true in Montana.

Gregg Jones’s Whitefish Real Estate Febuary Newsletter

by

I am excited to listen to what you are looking for in a home or property and search to help you find it or find the perfect buyer for a property you currently own. Call me today at 406.471.4885.

TURNING PAGES – Finding and sharing community in Montana

EPISODE FIVE: OPEN ROAD

Learn how two supermoms are making their dream of raising a family and building a publishing empire come true in Montana. Click the arrow to watch.

Real Estate Market Summary for 2016

SUMMARIZED FROM JIM KELLEY’S ANNUAL REPORT BY GREG CARTER

Mr. Kelley’s annual real estate market report for Flathead County is available at the following link: http://kelleyappraisal.net/FlatheadMarket16.pdf

The Flathead real estate market continues to improve with near record number of sales in 2016! This number of sales coupled with subdivision activity near all-time lows has motivated a renewed interest in development. Although all the county’s towns show an increase in the number of sales, the largest increase was in Whitefish.

There was an 11% increase in the number of residential units built from 2015 to 2016. This number has shown a healthy increase every year since the bottom of the recession in 2011. Over those 5 years, the total increase in annual residential construction in the Flathead Valley was over 200%.

From the standpoint of residential sales, 2015 was the best year for home sales since 2006, and 2016 maintained that same level. Since 2011, the median home price has experienced a healthy annual increase totaling over 26%! In that same time period, the number of homes on the market has steadily decreased. Comparing total sales from 2016 with homes currently on the market, there is only a six month inventory throughout the Valley! (In Columbia Falls, there is only a 1 month inventory!)

So, here is an important message for all our clients who may be considering putting your home on the market…there’s rarely been a better time!! If priced right, these statistics say you won’t have much competition so; your home should sell readily. Call your RE/MAX Rocky Mountain real estate professional for a review and market analysis of your property.

From a potential buyer’s standpoint, here are some helpful statistics: Nationally, we just completed 34 years of consistent interest rate declines. That is obviously not going to continue.

In 2016, the overall average 30-year mortgage interest was 3.7%. Currently the 30-year rate is 4.1%. Still, that remains very near record lows. As you are aware, the Federal Reserve recently increased the Fed Funds rate a quarter of a percent. There may be two or three similar rate increases in the coming twelve months. Even at that, the mortgage rates will still be near historically record lows. Given these statistics, if you are considering a real estate purchase, there is ample reason to lock in your mortgage rate as soon as possible.

In summary, we have an extremely healthy market for anyone thinking about selling their home and plenty of motivation to not wait if you are considering a purchase.  We at RE/MAX Rocky Mountain Real Estate would consider it a privilege to assist you with any of your real estate needs. We have offices in both Whitefish and Columbia Falls and have been serving our real estate clients in all the Flathead Valley sub-markets for over 20 years.

 

Featured Property: Flathead View Drive, Polson

MLS#21700384 Offered at $349,999

Beautiful custom home on 10 acres. flowing open concept with many custom features including, solid hand scraped oak floors, concrete countertops, exposed rustic beams, stone fireplace and custom handmade cedar railing and iron work. four bedrooms including two master suites and an option for a fifth bedroom or nice bonus room. property is thoughtfully landscaped, with mountain views, a large fire pit, hen house, and paddock with shelter. established fenced garden with automated irrigation system. just a short drive from the conveniences of kalispell and bigfork, in a beautiful rural setting. kalispell address in bigfork school district.

Click here for more photos and info.

City moves ahead with highway 93 south corridor plan

BY HEIDI DESCH, WHITEFISH PILOT JAN 25, 2017

The city of Whitefish is finally moving forward on a long discussed corridor plan for Highway 93 South.

In December City Council requested city planning staff create a scope of work and a timeline for initiating a corridor plan for the area. Last week Council gave its OK to a proposal that sets the kick-off this spring for work on the corridor plan.

The city’s 2007 growth policy identified the area as in need of a corridor plan, but plans for Highway 93 West and Wisconsin Avenue were considered greater priorities by the City Council, mostly due to issues with the doughnut dispute.

A Montana Supreme Court ruling in 2014 ceded planning control of the doughnut from the city to the Flathead County following a long-running legal battle over its control.

Mayor John Muhlfeld addressed appearances that the city is rushing into the corridor plan.

READ MORE….

SNOW REPORT

Check the snow conditions at Whitefish Mountain Resort by clicking here.

LESSONS

Learn to ski or snowboard. Click here for information about lessons and ticket packages.

NIGHT SKIING

Night owls can enjoy some great skiing during our night sessions. Click here for info.

LIFT TICKETS – PURCHASE ON-LINE

Purchase tickets in advance.

You can always call for information too.

877-SKI-FISH

or visit their website:

www.skiwhitefish.com

Forest project set to begin this summer in Haskill Basin

By HEIDI DESCH, WHITEFISH PILOT JAN 24, 2017

PHOTO BY STEVEN GNAM

Widespread prescribed burns and some timber harvesting are planned for the mountains above Haskill Basin.

The project known as the Whitefish Municipal Watershed Fuel Reduction project is an effort to prevent a devastating wildfire that could be destructive to the city’s water supply from Second and Third creeks. The project is also aimed at addressing disease concerns in the forest, including root disease, bark beetles, and mortality in white bark pine.

Flathead Forest Supervisor Chip Weber last week issued a decision notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the project following an environmental assessment. The project, which includes 1,114 acres of forestland, is expected to be implemented in the summer of 2017.

Project leader Deb Bond said the goal is to implement a variety of fuel reduction treatments on the area.

“The purpose is that by treating the forest we hope we can reduce the chance of wildfire in the future,” Bond said.

Several types of silvicultural treatments are planned on 254 acres. Commercial thinning is planned on 58 acres and seed tree harvests is proposed on 196 acres. About 859 acres within the project area are set to have fuel treatments by either prescribed burning of 756 acres or understory removal on 103 acres.

The prescribed burns are set along the south face of the Whitefish Range above Haskill Basin. Most of the terrain is high-elevation and steep with limited access.

Timber harvest is planned mostly on the lower flanks of the range that are accessible by established roads and temporary road extensions.

READ MORE…

Scott Bull’s Whitefish Real Estate Febuary Newsletter

by

Scott Bull

Scott is the newest addition to the RE/MAX Rocky Mountain team. Scott has a construction background, and understands the importance of choosing the right home for your family or your Montana investment. Call Scott today at 949.235.8005.

TURNING PAGES – Finding and sharing community in Montana

EPISODE FIVE: OPEN ROAD

Learn how two supermoms are making their dream of raising a family and building a publishing empire come true in Montana. Click the arrow to watch.

Real Estate Market Summary for 2016

SUMMARIZED FROM JIM KELLEY’S ANNUAL REPORT BY GREG CARTER

Mr. Kelley’s annual real estate market report for Flathead County is available at the following link: http://kelleyappraisal.net/FlatheadMarket16.pdf

The Flathead real estate market continues to improve with near record number of sales in 2016! This number of sales coupled with subdivision activity near all-time lows has motivated a renewed interest in development. Although all the county’s towns show an increase in the number of sales, the largest increase was in Whitefish.

There was an 11% increase in the number of residential units built from 2015 to 2016. This number has shown a healthy increase every year since the bottom of the recession in 2011. Over those 5 years, the total increase in annual residential construction in the Flathead Valley was over 200%.

From the standpoint of residential sales, 2015 was the best year for home sales since 2006, and 2016 maintained that same level. Since 2011, the median home price has experienced a healthy annual increase totaling over 26%! In that same time period, the number of homes on the market has steadily decreased. Comparing total sales from 2016 with homes currently on the market, there is only a six month inventory throughout the Valley! (In Columbia Falls, there is only a 1 month inventory!)

So, here is an important message for all our clients who may be considering putting your home on the market…there’s rarely been a better time!! If priced right, these statistics say you won’t have much competition so; your home should sell readily. Call your RE/MAX Rocky Mountain real estate professional for a review and market analysis of your property.

From a potential buyer’s standpoint, here are some helpful statistics: Nationally, we just completed 34 years of consistent interest rate declines. That is obviously not going to continue.

In 2016, the overall average 30-year mortgage interest was 3.7%. Currently the 30-year rate is 4.1%. Still, that remains very near record lows. As you are aware, the Federal Reserve recently increased the Fed Funds rate a quarter of a percent. There may be two or three similar rate increases in the coming twelve months. Even at that, the mortgage rates will still be near historically record lows. Given these statistics, if you are considering a real estate purchase, there is ample reason to lock in your mortgage rate as soon as possible.

In summary, we have an extremely healthy market for anyone thinking about selling their home and plenty of motivation to not wait if you are considering a purchase.  We at RE/MAX Rocky Mountain Real Estate would consider it a privilege to assist you with any of your real estate needs. We have offices in both Whitefish and Columbia Falls and have been serving our real estate clients in all the Flathead Valley sub-markets for over 20 years.

 

Featured Property: Flathead View Drive, Polson

MLS#21700384 Offered at $349,999

Beautiful custom home on 10 acres. flowing open concept with many custom features including, solid hand scraped oak floors, concrete countertops, exposed rustic beams, stone fireplace and custom handmade cedar railing and iron work. four bedrooms including two master suites and an option for a fifth bedroom or nice bonus room. property is thoughtfully landscaped, with mountain views, a large fire pit, hen house, and paddock with shelter. established fenced garden with automated irrigation system. just a short drive from the conveniences of kalispell and bigfork, in a beautiful rural setting. kalispell address in bigfork school district.

Click here for more photos and info.

City moves ahead with highway 93 south corridor plan

BY HEIDI DESCH, WHITEFISH PILOT JAN 25, 2017

The city of Whitefish is finally moving forward on a long discussed corridor plan for Highway 93 South.

In December City Council requested city planning staff create a scope of work and a timeline for initiating a corridor plan for the area. Last week Council gave its OK to a proposal that sets the kick-off this spring for work on the corridor plan.

The city’s 2007 growth policy identified the area as in need of a corridor plan, but plans for Highway 93 West and Wisconsin Avenue were considered greater priorities by the City Council, mostly due to issues with the doughnut dispute.

A Montana Supreme Court ruling in 2014 ceded planning control of the doughnut from the city to the Flathead County following a long-running legal battle over its control.

Mayor John Muhlfeld addressed appearances that the city is rushing into the corridor plan.

READ MORE….

SNOW REPORT

Check the snow conditions at Whitefish Mountain Resort by clicking here.

LESSONS

Learn to ski or snowboard. Click here for information about lessons and ticket packages.

NIGHT SKIING

Night owls can enjoy some great skiing during our night sessions. Click here for info.

LIFT TICKETS – PURCHASE ON-LINE

Purchase tickets in advance.

You can always call for information too.

877-SKI-FISH

or visit their website:

www.skiwhitefish.com

Forest project set to begin this summer in Haskill Basin

By HEIDI DESCH, WHITEFISH PILOT JAN 24, 2017

PHOTO BY STEVEN GNAM

Widespread prescribed burns and some timber harvesting are planned for the mountains above Haskill Basin.

The project known as the Whitefish Municipal Watershed Fuel Reduction project is an effort to prevent a devastating wildfire that could be destructive to the city’s water supply from Second and Third creeks. The project is also aimed at addressing disease concerns in the forest, including root disease, bark beetles, and mortality in white bark pine.

Flathead Forest Supervisor Chip Weber last week issued a decision notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the project following an environmental assessment. The project, which includes 1,114 acres of forestland, is expected to be implemented in the summer of 2017.

Project leader Deb Bond said the goal is to implement a variety of fuel reduction treatments on the area.

“The purpose is that by treating the forest we hope we can reduce the chance of wildfire in the future,” Bond said.

Several types of silvicultural treatments are planned on 254 acres. Commercial thinning is planned on 58 acres and seed tree harvests is proposed on 196 acres. About 859 acres within the project area are set to have fuel treatments by either prescribed burning of 756 acres or understory removal on 103 acres.

The prescribed burns are set along the south face of the Whitefish Range above Haskill Basin. Most of the terrain is high-elevation and steep with limited access.

Timber harvest is planned mostly on the lower flanks of the range that are accessible by established roads and temporary road extensions.

READ MORE…

Jessica Bubar’s Whitefish Real Estate Febuary Newsletter

by

Jessica Bubar Rocky Mountain Real Estate

Jessica owns and manages Integrity Property Management. If you are in need property management for your residential or commercial property, call Jessica today! For a list of available residential and commercial properties to rent or lease in the Kalispell area, call Jessica at 406.890.1531.

TURNING PAGES – Finding and sharing community in Montana

EPISODE FIVE: OPEN ROAD

Learn how two supermoms are making their dream of raising a family and building a publishing empire come true in Montana. Click the arrow to watch.

Real Estate Market Summary for 2016

SUMMARIZED FROM JIM KELLEY’S ANNUAL REPORT BY GREG CARTER

Mr. Kelley’s annual real estate market report for Flathead County is available at the following link: http://kelleyappraisal.net/FlatheadMarket16.pdf

The Flathead real estate market continues to improve with near record number of sales in 2016! This number of sales coupled with subdivision activity near all-time lows has motivated a renewed interest in development. Although all the county’s towns show an increase in the number of sales, the largest increase was in Whitefish. You can look here if you’re wondering how to sell your house for the best deal you can get. One of the best ways to achieve the asking price is to take the time to stage your home. You can get something like peel and stick wallpaper to freshen up the interior for prospective buyers.

There was an 11% increase in the number of residential units built from 2015 to 2016. This number has shown a healthy increase every year since the bottom of the recession in 2011. Over those 5 years, the total increase in annual residential construction in the Flathead Valley was over 200%.

From the standpoint of residential sales, 2015 was the best year for home sales since 2006, and 2016 maintained that same level. Since 2011, the median home price has experienced a healthy annual increase totaling over 26%! In that same time period, the number of homes on the market has steadily decreased. Comparing total sales from 2016 with homes currently on the market, there is only a six month inventory throughout the Valley! (In Columbia Falls, there is only a 1 month inventory!)

So, here is an important message for all our clients who may be considering putting your home on the market…there’s rarely been a better time!! If priced right, these statistics say you won’t have much competition so; your home should sell readily. Call your RE/MAX Rocky Mountain real estate professional for a review and market analysis of your property.

From a potential buyer’s standpoint, here are some helpful statistics: Nationally, we just completed 34 years of consistent interest rate declines. That is obviously not going to continue.

In 2016, the overall average 30-year mortgage interest was 3.7%. Currently the 30-year rate is 4.1%. Still, that remains very near record lows. As you are aware, the Federal Reserve recently increased the Fed Funds rate a quarter of a percent. There may be two or three similar rate increases in the coming twelve months. Even at that, the mortgage rates will still be near historically record lows. Given these statistics, if you are considering a real estate purchase, there is ample reason to lock in your mortgage rate as soon as possible.

In summary, we have an extremely healthy market for anyone thinking about selling their home and plenty of motivation to not wait if you are considering a purchase. We at RE/MAX Rocky Mountain Real Estate would consider it a privilege to assist you with any of your real estate needs. We have offices in both Whitefish and Columbia Falls and have been serving our real estate clients in all the Flathead Valley sub-markets for over 20 years.

Featured Property: Flathead View Drive, Polson

MLS#21700384 Offered at $349,999

Beautiful custom home on 10 acres. flowing open concept with many custom features including, solid hand scraped oak floors, concrete countertops, exposed rustic beams, stone fireplace and custom handmade cedar railing and iron work. four bedrooms including two master suites and an option for a fifth bedroom or nice bonus room. property is thoughtfully landscaped, with mountain views, a large fire pit, hen house, and paddock with shelter. established fenced garden with automated irrigation system. just a short drive from the conveniences of kalispell and bigfork, in a beautiful rural setting. kalispell address in bigfork school district.

Click here for more photos and info.

City moves ahead with highway 93 south corridor plan

BY HEIDI DESCH, WHITEFISH PILOT JAN 25, 2017

The city of Whitefish is finally moving forward on a long discussed corridor plan for Highway 93 South.

In December City Council requested city planning staff create a scope of work and a timeline for initiating a corridor plan for the area. Last week Council gave its OK to a proposal that sets the kick-off this spring for work on the corridor plan.

The city’s 2007 growth policy identified the area as in need of a corridor plan, but plans for Highway 93 West and Wisconsin Avenue were considered greater priorities by the City Council, mostly due to issues with the doughnut dispute.

A Montana Supreme Court ruling in 2014 ceded planning control of the doughnut from the city to the Flathead County following a long-running legal battle over its control.

Mayor John Muhlfeld addressed appearances that the city is rushing into the corridor plan.

READ MORE….

SNOW REPORT

Check the snow conditions at Whitefish Mountain Resort by clicking here.

LESSONS

Learn to ski or snowboard. Click here for information about lessons and ticket packages.

NIGHT SKIING

Night owls can enjoy some great skiing during our night sessions. Click here for info.

LIFT TICKETS – PURCHASE ON-LINE

Purchase tickets in advance.

You can always call for information too.

877-SKI-FISH

or visit their website:

www.skiwhitefish.com

Forest project set to begin this summer in Haskill Basin

By HEIDI DESCH, WHITEFISH PILOT JAN 24, 2017

PHOTO BY STEVEN GNAM

Widespread prescribed burns and some timber harvesting are planned for the mountains above Haskill Basin.

The project known as the Whitefish Municipal Watershed Fuel Reduction project is an effort to prevent a devastating wildfire that could be destructive to the city’s water supply from Second and Third creeks. The project is also aimed at addressing disease concerns in the forest, including root disease, bark beetles, and mortality in white bark pine.

Flathead Forest Supervisor Chip Weber last week issued a decision notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the project following an environmental assessment. The project, which includes 1,114 acres of forestland, is expected to be implemented in the summer of 2017.

Project leader Deb Bond said the goal is to implement a variety of fuel reduction treatments on the area.

“The purpose is that by treating the forest we hope we can reduce the chance of wildfire in the future,” Bond said.

Several types of silvicultural treatments are planned on 254 acres. Commercial thinning is planned on 58 acres and seed tree harvests is proposed on 196 acres. About 859 acres within the project area are set to have fuel treatments by either prescribed burning of 756 acres or understory removal on 103 acres.

The prescribed burns are set along the south face of the Whitefish Range above Haskill Basin. Most of the terrain is high-elevation and steep with limited access.

Timber harvest is planned mostly on the lower flanks of the range that are accessible by established roads and temporary road extensions.

READ MORE…

Holly Carbo’s Whitefish Real Estate Febuary Newsletter

by

Holly Carbo

In the Flathead Valley, Holly Carbo is The Natural Choice for all your real estate needs. Contact Holly today at 406.249.7818.

TURNING PAGES – Finding and sharing community in Montana

EPISODE FIVE: OPEN ROAD

Learn how two supermoms are making their dream of raising a family and building a publishing empire come true in Montana. Click the arrow to watch.

Real Estate Market Summary for 2016

SUMMARIZED FROM JIM KELLEY’S ANNUAL REPORT BY GREG CARTER

Mr. Kelley’s annual real estate market report for Flathead County is available at the following link: http://kelleyappraisal.net/FlatheadMarket16.pdf

The Flathead real estate market continues to improve with near record number of sales in 2016! This number of sales coupled with subdivision activity near all-time lows has motivated a renewed interest in development. Although all the county’s towns show an increase in the number of sales, the largest increase was in Whitefish.

There was an 11% increase in the number of residential units built from 2015 to 2016. This number has shown a healthy increase every year since the bottom of the recession in 2011. Over those 5 years, the total increase in annual residential construction in the Flathead Valley was over 200%.

From the standpoint of residential sales, 2015 was the best year for home sales since 2006, and 2016 maintained that same level. It is a great time to buy, so if you’re thinking of getting on the property ladder, it may be time to check out some open houses Colorado Springs. Since 2011, the median home price has experienced a healthy annual increase totaling over 26%! In that same time period, the number of homes on the market has steadily decreased. Comparing total sales from 2016 with homes currently on the market, there is only a six month inventory throughout the Valley! (In Columbia Falls, there is only a 1 month inventory!)

So, here is an important message for all our clients who may be considering putting your home on the market…there’s rarely been a better time!! If priced right, these statistics say you won’t have much competition so; your home should sell readily. Call your RE/MAX Rocky Mountain real estate professional for a review and market analysis of your property.

From a potential buyer’s standpoint, here are some helpful statistics: Nationally, we just completed 34 years of consistent interest rate declines. That is obviously not going to continue.

In 2016, the overall average 30-year mortgage interest was 3.7%. Currently the 30-year rate is 4.1%. Still, that remains very near record lows. As you are aware, the Federal Reserve recently increased the Fed Funds rate a quarter of a percent. There may be two or three similar rate increases in the coming twelve months. Even at that, the mortgage rates will still be near historically record lows. Given these statistics, if you are considering a real estate purchase, there is ample reason to lock in your mortgage rate as soon as possible.

In summary, we have an extremely healthy market for anyone thinking about selling their home and plenty of motivation to not wait if you are considering a purchase. We at RE/MAX Rocky Mountain Real Estate would consider it a privilege to assist you with any of your real estate needs. We have offices in both Whitefish and Columbia Falls and have been serving our real estate clients in all the Flathead Valley sub-markets for over 20 years.

Featured Property: Flathead View Drive, Polson

MLS#21700384 Offered at $349,999

Beautiful custom home on 10 acres. flowing open concept with many custom features including, solid hand scraped oak floors, concrete countertops, exposed rustic beams, stone fireplace and custom handmade cedar railing and iron work. four bedrooms including two master suites and an option for a fifth bedroom or nice bonus room. property is thoughtfully landscaped, with mountain views, a large fire pit, hen house, and paddock with shelter. established fenced garden with automated irrigation system. just a short drive from the conveniences of kalispell and bigfork, in a beautiful rural setting. kalispell address in bigfork school district.

Click here for more photos and info.

City moves ahead with highway 93 south corridor plan

BY HEIDI DESCH, WHITEFISH PILOT JAN 25, 2017

The city of Whitefish is finally moving forward on a long discussed corridor plan for Highway 93 South.

In December City Council requested city planning staff create a scope of work and a timeline for initiating a corridor plan for the area. Last week Council gave its OK to a proposal that sets the kick-off this spring for work on the corridor plan.

The city’s 2007 growth policy identified the area as in need of a corridor plan, but plans for Highway 93 West and Wisconsin Avenue were considered greater priorities by the City Council, mostly due to issues with the doughnut dispute.

A Montana Supreme Court ruling in 2014 ceded planning control of the doughnut from the city to the Flathead County following a long-running legal battle over its control.

Mayor John Muhlfeld addressed appearances that the city is rushing into the corridor plan.

READ MORE….

SNOW REPORT

Check the snow conditions at Whitefish Mountain Resort by clicking here.

LESSONS

Learn to ski or snowboard. Click here for information about lessons and ticket packages.

NIGHT SKIING

Night owls can enjoy some great skiing during our night sessions. Click here for info.

LIFT TICKETS – PURCHASE ON-LINE

Purchase tickets in advance.

You can always call for information too.

877-SKI-FISH

or visit their website:

www.skiwhitefish.com

Forest project set to begin this summer in Haskill Basin

By HEIDI DESCH, WHITEFISH PILOT JAN 24, 2017

PHOTO BY STEVEN GNAM

Widespread prescribed burns and some timber harvesting are planned for the mountains above Haskill Basin.

The project known as the Whitefish Municipal Watershed Fuel Reduction project is an effort to prevent a devastating wildfire that could be destructive to the city’s water supply from Second and Third creeks. The project is also aimed at addressing disease concerns in the forest, including root disease, bark beetles, and mortality in white bark pine.

Flathead Forest Supervisor Chip Weber last week issued a decision notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the project following an environmental assessment. The project, which includes 1,114 acres of forestland, is expected to be implemented in the summer of 2017.

Project leader Deb Bond said the goal is to implement a variety of fuel reduction treatments on the area.

“The purpose is that by treating the forest we hope we can reduce the chance of wildfire in the future,” Bond said.

Several types of silvicultural treatments are planned on 254 acres. Commercial thinning is planned on 58 acres and seed tree harvests is proposed on 196 acres. About 859 acres within the project area are set to have fuel treatments by either prescribed burning of 756 acres or understory removal on 103 acres.

The prescribed burns are set along the south face of the Whitefish Range above Haskill Basin. Most of the terrain is high-elevation and steep with limited access.

Timber harvest is planned mostly on the lower flanks of the range that are accessible by established roads and temporary road extensions.

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