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Scott Bull

Scott Bull’s Whitefish Real Estate December Newsletter

by

Scott Bull

 

 

As a well-rounded real estate agent with a background in new home construction and renovations, Scott can help you find the best course to take with your existing or new property. “Real Estate is my passion. I go to sleep looking for homes online and wake up thinking about different ways to improve them.” Let me help you find your perfect place. Call me today at 406.260.2268.

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.

Scott Bull’s Whitefish Real Estate-November Newsletter

by

Scott Bull Whitefish custom homes

 

 

As a well-rounded real estate agent with a background in new home construction and renovations, Scott can help you find the best course to take with your existing or new property. “Real Estate is my passion. I go to sleep looking for homes online and wake up thinking about different ways to improve them.” Let me help you find your perfect place. Call me today at 406.260.2268.

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…

Scott Bull’s Whitefish Real Estate October Newsletter

by

Scott Bull Whitefish custom homes

 

As a well-rounded real estate agent with a background in new home construction and renovations, Scott can help you find the best course to take with your existing or new property. “Real Estate is my passion. I go to sleep looking for homes online and wake up thinking about different ways to improve them.” Let me help you find your perfect place. Call me today at 406.260.2268.

5640-cropped

5640 U.S. 93 S, Whitefish, MT 59937

MLS #21809067 Offered at $745,000

9.38 Acre property with potential for many uses. located on the property is two well maintained homes with a 2 stall horse barn that may need a new barn door and wood working shop. Recent zoning changes Flathead County SAG-5/SWO (South Whitefish Overlay). Many possibilities including potential lot split and re-zoning. Multi-listed see mls #21805048. Call Scott Bull at 406-260-2268 for your personal tour of this property.

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. On the west side of the park, the trees begin changing color mid-September, and on the east side, fall color appears more towards the end of September and beginning of October.

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.

Scott Bull’s Whitefish Real Estate September Newsletter

by

Scott Bull Whitefish custom homes

As a well-rounded real estate agent with a background in new home construction and renovations, Scott can help you find the best course to take with your existing or new property. “Real Estate is my passion. I go to sleep looking for homes online and wake up thinking about different ways to improve them.” Let me help you find your perfect place. Call me today at 406.260.2268

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. Cars that are in no condition to be driven will be taken to scrap yards and recycled, if you have a car that is not drivable then consider checking this place out where you can get money for junk cars.

City Level

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.

193 Evers Creek Connection Road, Whitefish, MT 59937

MLS #21810266 Offered at $324,000

Check out this newly renovated mountain modern home with large covered decks and beautiful mountain views. Outdoor activities abound being surrounded by both Stillwater State and Kootenai National Forest, but it’s easy to stay connected with high bandwidth internet from nearby fiber-optics. Enjoy the easy flow of this open floor plan along with the well-insulated, oversized heated 3-car garage. In the kitchen you will find a butcher block and steel island with an induction cooktop and wood burning fireplace and soapstone oven. The kitchen cabinets have soft close doors with roll out storage pantries. This smart home has remotely monitored Nest temperature control and smoke detectors, as well as garage door sensors by Garage Doors Raleigh NC.

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.

Scott Bull’s Whitefish Real Estate May Newsletter

by

Scott Bull

As a well-rounded real estate agent, who utilizes real estate back office software to ensure a swift and straightforward process, as well as having a background in new home construction and renovations, Scott can help you find the best course to take with your existing or new property. “Real Estate is my passion. I go to sleep looking for homes online and wake up thinking about different ways to improve them.” Let me help you find your perfect place. Call me today at 406.260.2268.

Real Estate Market Trends

By Richard Dews // APR 8, 2018

This chart shows the past year’s single-family residence sales activity in Whitefish.

Whitefish area homes, like those in Kalispell, are now selling for prices closer to their listing price, when comparing average sales activity over the past year to activity just two years ago (through $550,000).

This chart shows the past year’s single-family residence sales activity in Whitefish, list prices between $150,000 and $850,000. Sold prices closely followed their list prices to $350,000. Sales from $350,000 and $550,000 show a shallow average sold price drop of only 5 percent of the listing price. Listing and sold prices average around $190/square foot for most segments up to $550,000, with exception of a $180/square foot average in the $400,000 segment.

Two years ago, sale prices clung less closely to listing prices to $300,000. Prices averaged the same $190/square foot through $550,000 listings.

For this past year’s Whitefish-area single family residence sales, compared to the year prior, fewer sold priced in the $200s (thousands); more sold in the $250s; fewer in the $300s and $350s; more in the $400s and $450s.

Richard Dews is CEO of Glacier Flathead Real Estate, a Flathead-based real estate software and services company.

Featured property-3 bed/2.5 bath on 48 acres

127 Wishart Road, Columbia Falls, MT 59912

MLS #21801581 Offered at $3,000,000

Beautiful home on 48 acres has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms on the main floor and a full walkout basement apartment that is set up with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom; 2 separate kitchens and 2 laundry hookups. Both levels have an open floor plan. There is a 950 sq/ft partially covered wrap-around deck to enjoy the mountain views. Extra insulation helps make this home almost sound proof. 43 acres of irrigated land with over 1/4 mile of Highway 2 frontage. The property also includes two additional rental homes. It can be difficult to find the right house for you and your family, luckily a quick search online for real estate agents near me could help you to find the right agency that may be able to help you find the perfect property for you. Alternatively, you may be looking in a specific area for a new home, like Colorado but haven’t yet found the perfect home. Luckily, jimgarciahomes.com have many Colorado houses on their website for you to take a look at and inquire about if any take your interest.

Ladies Fly Tying Night is Wednesday 6PM at Lakestream Fly Fishing!

It all started with our Ladies Fly Fishing group, The Whitefish Knotty Nymphs. Every Wednesday night at 6:00PM we open the doors for Ladies Night. We are always looking for new ladies to join tying night. You don’t have to have ever tied a fly or fly fished before. You just have to join us and we’ll get you going in no time!

Find more info here…www.lakestream.com (scroll down).

Farmers Market

Downtown Whitefish

Enjoy the bounty of summer every Tuesday from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m., from May 29 through September 25 at the Whitefish Downtown Farmers Market where local farmers and craftsmen showcase their products at the North end of Central Avenue. Live music, prepared food, and the season’s freshest products are featured.

Whitefish Feast

Our opening night cocktail party at Grouse Mountain Lodge, the 3rd Annual Distiller’s Fest, features “signature” cocktails and spirits from ten amazing Montana micro-distilleries, and outstanding appetizers from eight of Whitefish’s top restaurants and caterers.

Experience Whitefish’s unique and eclectic culinary culture during Restaurant Week, a 5-day culinary affair with local restaurants offering special “value” menus … a chance to revisit your favorite restaurants and experience new ones! Check back on May 1 for a list of this year’s participating restaurants and their menus .

Who makes the Big Sky’s best burger? That’s the question to be answered at the Cypress Yard event center on Saturday, May 19, when a host of local eateries will put their best burger forward … and let you do the judging!

The fine dining highlight of this year’s Feast is the Grand Gala wine maker dinner … a creative culinary collaboration prepared by six of the most popular – and talented – chefs in the northern Rocky Mountains, accompanied by award-winning wines from Washington, Oregon, California and beyond!

Click for more information on this week of food and drink.

Where are the plows today?

See where the plows are today on Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Also see plowing photos posted by the crews. Click here to go to nps.gov.

where are the plows

Rocky Mountain Real Estate