Nikki Marengo’s Whitefish Real Estate January Newsletter

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Nikki’s fondness for people inspires her to go above and beyond the expectations of her clients. Her main objective is making others happy and that is why real estate has become more than a profession­–it’s a passion. Let Nikki help you with the next adventure in your life, whether it’s finding a home on the golf course or selling your cabin in the woods. 406.212.8507.

Whitefish Winter Carnival 2019

Whitefish Winter Carnival

The Legend of  Ullr

Once upon a time, there lived a god named Ullr who reigned over winter activities in the Nordic regions. Aiding him were his Prime Minister and Queen, who were skilled in creating the beauties of winter.

As time went by, however, his subjects become engrossed in exploring the world and its oceans, and they paid less homage to their god-king and the festivities of their winter season, so Ullr became a god all-but-forgotten, except in dim tradition.

Read more at https://whitefishwintercarnival.com/history/

A bawdy adults-only good time, enjoy a hearty roast of Whitefish and current events.

A fun, family event! Come in out of the cold and be a part of history with the unveiling of King Ullr LX and his Queen of the Snows.

Dust off your moves and your duds for an evening of groove. Prizes for best costume.

An annual tradition, watch the new Prince Frey and Princess Freya crowned at half-time, and cheer on the Bulldogs!

This sport combines a mix of two of Montana’s favorites – horses and skiing.

Support Carnival and kick off the weekend with merriment and frivolity at the Carnival Gala.

Some events require a carnival button for entry. For more details on all the above Carnival events, browse to: https://whitefishwintercarnival.com/events/

Featured property-Mountain Watch at Meadow Lake

Governor Bullock

Governor says recreation stirs economic growth

BY DANIEL MCKAY, WHITEFISH PILOT // 12-11-18

Montana Governor Steve Bullock says it doesn’t take much thinking to realize why people are visiting the state.

“Last year we had over 13 million visitors to our state,” he said. “They weren’t coming to go to our Wal-Marts, right? They could do that at home. They’re coming to see the opportunities that make this state so amazing. And these visits stir economic growth, create local and good paying jobs.”

Bullock kicked off the first Business of Outdoor Recreation Summit last Tuesday in Whitefish at Grouse Mountain Lodge focusing on the value Montana’s public lands have both recreationally and economically.

Read the rest of the story:

https://www.whitefishpilot.com/front_page_slider/20181211/governor_says_recreation_stirs_economic_growth

Find snow conditions on Whitefish Mountain: visit their snowcams

Big Mountain

Nikki Marengo’s Whitefish Real Estate December Newsletter

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Nikki’s fondness for people inspires her to go above and beyond the expectations of her clients. Her main objective is making others happy and that is why real estate has become more than a profession­–it’s a passion. Let Nikki help you with the next adventure in your life, whether it’s finding a home on the golf course or selling your cabin in the woods. 406.212.8507.

This Sacred Season and Messiah – Glacier Symphony, Orchestra and Chorale

December 15, 2018

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Whitefish Performing Arts Center

http://www.glaciersymphony.org

Glacier Symphony, Orchestra and Chorale will combine for two concerts featuring selections of both sacred and contemporary holiday music. The repertoire will include Bach’s Magnificat, Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium, Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Christmas Carols, Zoltek’s A Christmas Round and selections from Handel’s Messiah. Micah Hunter will be a featured baritone soloist.

Waterfront Real Estate Market Trends

Flathead Beacon, 2018 By Richard Dews

Over the past year, 90 residential land parcels (2-5 acres) sold across Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Lakeside and Polson (see chart). Seventy-seven were not declared as being on navigable or nonnavigable water; the other 13 were “on water.” Such exclusivity usually costs a premium – but not extreme in all cases. Due to single sales, I didn’t chart Lakeside or Polson. Lakeside and Polson non-waterfront median per acre prices were about $19,000 (4 parcels) and $16,000 (5 parcels), respectively.

Median non-waterfront prices were as affordable in Bigfork as Kalispell. Read more…

Below is a sampling of waterfront listings in Whitefish.

Christmas Stroll

Downtown Whitefish

Friday, December 7, 2018

5:30-9:00PM

Shop the stores in downtown Whitefish, listen to music, see Santa and more.

Click here for the full schedule.

Nikki Marengo’s Whitefish Real Estate-November Newsletter

nikki-marengo-rocky-mountain-real-estate

 

 

Nikki’s fondness for people inspires her to go above and beyond the expectations of her clients. Her main objective is making others happy and that is why real estate has become more than a profession­–it’s a passion. Let Nikki help you with the next adventure in your life, whether it’s finding a home on the golf course or selling your cabin in the woods. 406.212.8507.

Planning to build in Whitefish? Follow the International Energy Code

City of Whitefish Fall Newsletter 2018

In the fall of 2014, the State of Montana adopted the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code. All certified cities such as Whitefish followed with local adoption shortly after.

The purpose of this code is to provide a standard for all new construction while using scientific information to build a more energy efficient home.

The code establishes minimum standards for insulation, as well as ventilation requirements. This information is required on building plans and examined during plan review to ensure code compliance.

When designing a new home, owners should check with their contractor to ensure that the energy code is being followed. Often the decision is made to exceed the minimum standard and build the most energy efficient home possible.

For more information on the energy code, contact the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MT DEQ) at 406-444-6697 or find them online at http://www.deq.mt.gov/energy/default.mcpx

 

Commercial property sales increase in the Flathead Valley

Commercial property sales were strong in 2018, with 26 sales in the north Flathead Valley including Whitefish and Columbia Falls. Sales included office buildings, business opportunities, commercial buildings and raw land.

Below is a sampling of commercial properties available today. Call 406.862.9000 for more information and a tour of these commercial properties.

Bargain on Big Mountain

By Tristan Scott, Flathead Beacon 10-26-18

Ski and snowboard films are hitting the silver screen and the first snowfall of winter is right around the corner, marking the start of ski season. And while various mountains and resorts appeal to skiers and snowboarders for a range of reasons, including snow, location and terrain, the cost of a day on the hill is a ubiquitous consideration.

If affordability and minimal crowds top your list of winter-getaway demands, Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain remains one of the preeminent destinations in North America.

Click to read the rest of the story…

 

Plan your visit to Whitefish

Outside or indoors, there are so many ways to fill your days with things to do in and around Whitefish.

Glacier National Park is only 25 miles from Whitefish. Whitefish Mountain Resort ski and summer area is just minutes away. Play on the water, stroll the 40+ miles of the Whitefish Trail, take in a professional theatre performance or live music, or stop in at a gallery to learn about the local arts scene.

Award-winning cuisine, world-class wine selections and great service—all reasons Whitefish exceeds dining expectations and offering nearly every variety of style and fare. Many chefs pride themselves on their use of fresh, local and organic vegetables, fruits, and meats. Each dining experience is an opportunity to savor the local flavor.

A stroll through the covered sidewalks of Central Avenue or through the historic Railway District reveals a broad variety of locally-owned shops and galleries. Discover fine artisan jewelry made with Montana-native gems or a new pair of hiking boots for the next adventure. Locally-roasted coffee beans, homemade skin care, hand-dyed yarn and huckleberry products make great gifts for those back home.

Click to plan your visit…

Nikki Marengo’s Whitefish Real Estate October Newsletter

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Nikki’s fondness for people inspires her to go above and beyond the expectations of her clients. Her main objective is making others happy and that is why real estate has become more than a profession­–it’s a passion. Let Nikki help you with the next adventure in your life, whether it’s finding a home on the golf course or selling your cabin in the woods. 406.212.8507.

willow-cropped

330 Willow Glen Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901

MLS #21811875 Offered at $218,000
Pride of ownership shines throughout this charming rancher which sits on a large lot with mature fruit trees, and shop with plenty of storage space. The cottage style home is in great shape and has original hardwood floors, move in ready. 2 Bed/1 Bath with many possibilities with the unfinished basement allowing for more space- easy to show! Call Nikki Marengo at (406) 862-9000.

Fall is here. There are plenty of things to do in Whitefish.

Fall just may be our finest season here in the northwest corner of Montana. Temperatures are cool and fall colors are brilliant. For a variety of activities, visit www.explorewhitefish.com.

Walk A Trail.

Paved bike and pedestrian trails meander throughout Whitefish. A segment of the trail runs along the river between various parks (and extends all the way to City Beach). www.whitefishlegacy.org

Take A Trail Ride.

The Bar W Guest Ranch has developed the most advanced and diverse equestrian program in the West. Take a riding lesson or a relaxing trail ride. www.thebarw.com

Take A Boat Ride.

Rent a boat, or other watercraft at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake Marina. A full service marina on Whitefish Lake that offers a gas dock to fill your boat or wave runner, a snack bar and a Tiki Bar. www.lodgeatwhitefishlake.com

Take In A Live Performance.

Alpine Theatre Project (ATP) has become one of the most respected professional theatres in the Northwest United States. ATP specializes in producing musicals, plays, and concerts throughout the year featuring talent from Broadway, film, and television. www.atpwhitefish.org

Just bought a lot in Whitefish? What is the next step?

In the fall of 2014 the state of Montana adopted the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code. All certified cities such as Whitefish followed with local adoption shortly after.

The purpose of this code is to provide a standard for all new construction while using scientific information to build a more energy efficient home. The code establishes minimum standards for insulation, as well as ventilation requirements.

This information is required on building plans and examined during plan review to ensure code compliance.

When designing a new home in Whitefish, owners should check with their contractor to ensure that the energy code is being followed. Often the decision is made to exceed the minimum standard and build the most energy efficient home possible.

For more information on the energy code, contact the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at 406-444-6697 or find them at http://www.deq.mt.gov/energy/default/mcpx.

Going to the Sun Road is open in Glacier Park

Fall in Glacier National Park can be a wonderful time to visit, however, visitors at this time of year have to be more self-sufficient when they are in the park. Generally, the park is a lot quieter, wildlife is more active, and the trees are turning colors.

To check the current road status, click here. This website is updated regularly with important travel information for visitors to Glacier National Park.

The Great Northwest Oktoberfest

Join us in beautiful Whitefish, Montana, for two weekends of authentic German beer, food, music and fun – Montana style!

Second Weekend:

Wednesday, October 3:  6 pm to 8 pm: At the Firebrand Hotel

Thursday, October 4: 5 pm to 11 pm: Oktoberfest Bigtop & Beer Garden

Friday, October 5: 5 pm to 11 pm: Oktoberfest Bigtop & Beer Garden

Saturday, October 6: 12 noon to 11 pm: Oktoberfest Bigtop & Beer Garden

The Great Northwest Oktoberfest takes place under the “Oktoberfest Bigtop” in Depot Park (unless otherwise noted in the schedule), located in the heart of downtown Whitefish, Montana. Depot Park is located on the corner of Spokane Ave. and Railroad St., in front of the historic Whitefish Train Depot.

Click here for the complete schedule: www.whitefishoktoberfest.com/schedule/

Get those last rounds of golf in this month at Whitefish Lake Golf Course. The Front 9 on the north course closes October 15th for the season. The entire north course closes on October 22nd. The south course closes October 31st for the season. More information…click here.

Nikki Marengo’s Whitefish Real Estate September Newsletter

nikki-marengo-rocky-mountain-real-estate

 

Nikki’s fondness for people inspires her to go above and beyond the expectations of her clients. Her main objective is making others happy and that is why real estate has become more than a profession­–it’s a passion. Let Nikki help you with the next adventure in your life, whether it’s finding a home on the golf course or selling your cabin in the woods. 406.212.8507.

On the Roads

By Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

From the end of May until the kids go back to school, the roadways in the Flathead Valley are full of automobiles of all makes and models, many of which are touting out-of-state or Canadian license plates.

Summer is heavy tourism season in the valley, and while airport statistics show more people are flying into the Flathead than ever, the roads and highways are clogged with cars, trucks, RVs, bicycles, motorcycles, and other modes of wheeled travel.

With the understanding that this traffic volume isn’t likely going to decrease in the summers anytime soon, city, county, and state officials are discussing plans for the future of these roadways and how to keep them drivable.

In Whitefish, city officials and other stakeholders in the tourism industry, including businesses, have started the process of drafting a Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, which would help the city map out how it wants to manage increased tourism.

“It’s not about growing tourism,” said Whitefish Public Works Director Craig Workman. “We’re trying to manage it in a responsible manner.”

Workman is part of the group discussing the plan, which will have public meetings again starting in September, and works on the subcommittee on traffic, congestion, and transportation.

Already, the Montana Department of Transportation has plans to continue working on the Whitefish U.S. 93 Urban Corridor Study, which looks to address the downtown environment, as well as local and through-traffic needs. The plan will explore improvement options for Highway 93 through the city, along with other streets with high traffic.

READ MORE…click here.

695 1st Avenue WN, Kalispell, MT 59901

MLS #21809786 Offered at $229,000

Multiple use property with lots of options! Zoned B-1 for live in and/or work possibilities. Three bed and two bath with partially finished basement that adds extra storage and office/rooms (non-egress windows), hardwood floors, updated bathroom, lock out bedroom/office allows for many possibilities. Home just needs a final touch to make it your own. Detached shop has potential for extra storage or replace it and build a garage to fit your needs! Seller offering $8000 allowance for exterior painting. Find the best painting Company here gilbertspainting.com.

RACING WITH TRADITION

EPISODE TWENTY-EIGHT: OPEN ROAD

Native Americans continue their traditional relay horse racing.

The Great Northwest Oktoberfest

First Weekend:

Thursday, September 27:  5 pm to 11 pm
Friday, September 28: 5 pm to 11 pm
Saturday, September 29: 12 noon to 11 pm

Second Weekend:

Wednesday, October 3:  6 pm. to 8 p.m. (at the Firebrand Hotel)
Thursday, October 4: 5 pm to 11 pm
Friday, October 5: 5 pm to 11 pm
Saturday, October 6: 12 noon to 11 pm

The Great Northwest Oktoberfest takes place under the “Oktoberfest Bigtop” in Depot Park, located in the heart of downtown Whitefish, Montana. Depot Park is located on the corner of Spokane Ave. and Railroad St., in front of the historic Whitefish Train Depot. Click here for more info…

Great Fish 5k Color Run and Community Fair

NEARLY $4M IN RESORT TAX COLLECTED IN FY 2018

August 28, 2018 at 3:48 pm | By Heidi Desch | Whitefish PIlot

Whitefish collected nearly $4 million in resort tax during fiscal year 2018.

In FY18 the city collected $3.98 million, which is an increase in resort tax collections over the previous two fiscal year periods, according to the city. FY18 runs from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.

In FY17 the city collected about $3.6 million in resort tax, while in FY16 it collected about $3.2 million.

The resort tax is collected on lodging, bar and restaurant food and drinks and “luxury” retail items.

Assistant City Manager and Finance Director Dana Smith said the resort tax collections for FY18 were 9 percent higher than in FY17.

While most of the increase in collections is in lodging at 14 percent, retail and bars/restaurants are seeing an increase as well in the 6 to 8 percent range, Smith noted.

“This trend has allowed for additional property tax relief in the FY19 budget because any amount collected over the budgeted amount must be returned to taxpayers as additional property tax relief,” Smith said.

Nikki Marengo’s Whitefish Real Estate August Newsletter

REMAX Rocky Mountain Real Estate Nikki Marengo

 

 

Nikki’s fondness for people inspires her to go above and beyond the expectations of her clients. Her main objective is making others happy and that is why real estate has become more than a profession­–it’s a passion. Let Nikki help you with the next adventure in your life, whether it’s finding a home on the golf course or selling your cabin in the woods. 406.212.8507.

Planes, RVs, and Automobiles

BY MOLLY PRIDDY // JUL 25, 2018 // PHOTO BY GREG LINDSTROM

Major increases in passengers at Glacier Park International Airport, packed campgrounds and a proliferation of RV parks highlight summer’s busy tourism season

Northwest Montana is many things to many people: home, a getaway, a wild place of adventure, the place you plant your heart and wait for the rhythms of nature to help it to grow.

But one thing Northwest Montana is not? A secret. At least not anymore.

Summer is the busiest time of year for the Flathead Valley and surrounding areas, due to the incredible magnetism of the landscape and the welcoming and laidback ethos of mountain culture.

Glacier Park International Airport is posting the highest passenger numbers in its history, hotel occupancy rates are bustling and new hotels come online each year. But many visitors get here via modes of transportation other than planes, and stay in campgrounds or RV parks, a trend showing high demand for these kinds of overnight stays.

“We are full. We’re even having a busier spring and fall season,” said Faith Bengtson, assistant manager at the West Glacier KOA campground. “We’re still turning people away, and it’s mostly RVs that we’re turning away.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY…

Glacier Pines RV Park for sale

120/124 Swan Mountain Drive, Kalispell

MLS 21808136  Offered at $1,325,000

Brand new Glacier Pines RV Park!

Fully operating RV park in a beautiful wooded location with paved roads and all the amenities. New landscaping, signage, added security, widened roads, new paint on office and outbuildings, new volleyball court and upgraded amenities.

Includes playground, restroom and shower buildings, laundry facilities, RV storage, a general store for your visitors and two member residences.

RV Park has 90 spaces, 75 full service and 15 limited service and 4 ‘campsites’. Dog run area for pet friendly guests, walking trails and easy travel to Glacier National Park. Also included is a separately deeded buildable home lots with current utility connections.

Call Nikki Marengo at 406.212.8507.

Report: Montana Residents Spent $2.9B on In-State Travel

Report says in-state business trips contributed $1.4 billion to travel spending while leisure travel spending totaled about $1.1 billion

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS // JUL 27, 2018 Flathead Beacon

A new study shows Montana residents spent about $2.9 billion on in-state travel in 2017 — nearly half of all travel money spent in the state.

The report by the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation says in-state business trips contributed $1.4 billion to travel spending while leisure travel spending totaled about $1.1 billion. The Billings Gazette reports shopping, medical and other travel accounted for nearly $375 million in spending.

The report authors talked with more than 10,000 travelers to gather information.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY…

Huckleberry Days Arts Festival

Glacier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale presents Festival Amadeus

August 6, 2018

Click for more information.

Nikki Marengo’s Whitefish Real Estate June Newsletter

nikki-marengo-rocky-mountain-real-estate

 

Nikki’s fondness for people inspires her to go above and beyond the expectations of her clients. Her main objective is making others happy and that is why real estate has become more than a profession­–it’s a passion. Let Nikki help you with the next adventure in your life, whether it’s finding a home on the golf course or selling your cabin in the woods. 406.212.8507.

Helping Farm Hands

By Flathead Beacon Staff

Non-profit organization improves community food access through new programs

Agriculture enjoys a celebrated history in Montana, where the act of cultivating the land and producing fresh food is a tradition that continues to thrive today.
But gaining easy access to nutritious meals presents another set of challenges, a reality that prompted a local community organization to roll out a growing stable of programs to improve residents’ food needs.
The nonprofit group is called Farm Hands: Nourish the Flathead, whose goal is to address food-access issues by using local agriculture to feed under-served populations.
The group was started 10 years ago by a coordinated group of volunteers, and it runs multiple programs to assist with residents’ food needs, including farm-to-school projects and backpack programs that send children home from school with food.
Learn more at:
http://nourishtheflathead.org/history/

Development Opportunity!

W. Spring Creek and Three Mile Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901
MLS #21805838 Offered at $1,590,000

Amazing land development opportunity! Received approval to be annexed into Kalispell City 5/7/18. Preliminary platted for about 210 lots in a subdivision PUD. Includes a total of 90.3 gradually sloping acres with 3.6 acres allocated for commercial space at the corner of Three Mile and Spring Creek. The preliminary plat includes plans for about 210 ¼ acre lots for SFR homes with alley access to garages. Utilities including sewer, water, gas, phone and cable are already ran to the property. This property is ready for someone to take the torch and run with horizontal construction.

Western dreams are still possible in the Big Sky State of Montana

EPISODE TWENTY-SEVEN: OPEN ROAD

Mother/daughter duo Kara and Nya forge memories in Montana that will last a lifetime.

Farm Hands Community Night

Farm Hands Community Night at WASABI in Whitefish
Monday, June 4th, 5:00 PM
at Wasabi Sushi Bar, 419 E. Second St., Whitefish
Come Join us for a night of fabulous food. A portion of the proceeds from the evening goes to Farm Hands!

Whitefish Legacy Partners Kids Summer Programs

Explore the Whitefish Trail with guided learning hikes and community hikes and bikes. Events are held all summer long. All events are free and do not require registration. They are suitable for all fitness levels and are family friendly.
Kids programs are held at the Whitefish Trail Learning Pavilion at the Lion Mountain Trailhead. Two hour programs are suitable for ages 5 to 12. No registration required. Click here for more information.

Forest Explorers Camps

Join us this summer to explore on the Whitefish Trail! These four-day camps include hiking, exploration, games, art activities, and learning at the WT Learning Pavilion. Forest Explorers Camp is for children 6 to 10. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Click here for costs and registration information.

Brash Rodeo summer series is underway

Rodeo has been a part of Montana’s culture since the first cowboys arrived over 150 years ago. Our events include bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer riding, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, calf roping and chute dogging. We are Western Montana’s longest running series open rodeo.
Weekly events are held on Thursdays, 7-10PM, on the corner of Highway 40 and US 2, right behind the Blue Moon bar.
Click here to download the program schedule and more information.

Rocky Mountain Real Estate