Coronavirus impacts on the Montana land market

By Montana Land Source, 4/2020

In such times of economic uncertainly people often gravitate towards tangible investments such as gold and land. Given the health fears and social distancing caused by this crisis, land in rural western states like Montana have a particular appeal. In addition to historically being a stable and lucrative investment, land in Montana provides a physical place where owners can take refuge from the rest of the world, whether that’s global pandemics or social unrest. For years Montana land has been sought out for these reasons. The shock and uncertainty of this crisis may well lead to increased demand for physical and economic refuge in the form of investment in rural land.

The ultimate impact of the coronavirus on the Montana land market will largely depend on the length of the crisis and the depth of its economic impact. If the crisis is short-lived and the economic impact minor, we don’t expect the impact on the Montana land market to be substantial.

The slower moving land market may not have a chance to react before the crisis has largely passed. Additionally, the drive towards more stable and tangible assets that crises like this create may offset negative impacts. However, if the crisis is prolonged and if the economic impacts are severe, we will expect to see impacts on the Montana land market. Montana Land Source has the most comprehensive data tracking of Montana land listings and sales, and we look forward to reporting on actual market impacts as the year progresses. Stay tuned.

Whitefish selects firm for transportation plan study

By Heidi Desch | The Whitefish Pilot, 4/22/2020

The City of Whitefish has selected the engineering firm of KLJ to update its transportation plan.

The city is updating its transportation plan to project future improvements out to the year 2030. The current plan was created in 2009.

City Council on April 6 approved authorizing the City Manager to negotiate a contract with the engineering firm, which has an office in Kalispell, for the update. The city’s fiscal year 2020 budget includes $50,000 for the update.

Public Works Director Craig Workman said the firm is currently working with Kalispell to update its transportation plan.

“While they have not worked for the City of Whitefish on past project, we were extremely impressed with the research they completed to familiarize themselves with the city,” Workman said. “KLJ brings a diverse team with a deep background in transportation planning and we feel they will have a fresh perspective on the city’s transportation needs.”

The planning process will engage the public to identify and evaluate transportation conditions and alternate modes like biking, walking and public transit. Work on the plan will also evaluate the existing transportation conditions.

Going to the Sun Road Project

After many years of reconstruction, visitors to the high elevation section of the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road will experience a roadway that, in many places, has been rebuilt from the ground up. Extreme care was taken to ensure that its historic fabric and character remains as close to the original construction as possible. Click here to go to nps.gov.

Brian Nicodemus RE/MAX Rocky Mountain Brian Nicodemus

Spring is almost upon us and I can’t wait! Although it’s not over yet, it’s been a fairly mild winter here in Northwest Montana. Not too many really cold days and not a bunch of snow to shovel in town. Lots of snow in the mountains should provide plenty of water this spring and summer for some great fishing and recreating all around the state of Montana. The Flathead Valley alone is at 103% of our annual snowfall already this winter with a couple months to go. The other good reason to celebrate spring, the golf courses will be open soon. Whitefish has the only 36-hole golf course in the state and there are 7 golf courses within an hour of Whitefish.

With spring comes opportunity in our Real Estate market. If you are thinking about selling this could be the best time ever to sell your property. Inventory is low, interest rates continue to stay historically low for buyers and the promotional opportunities for brokerages to get your property in front of buyers has never been better! Call me today with any questions you have about Montana Real Estate or if I can help you buy or sell your piece of Montana. Cheers to spring, bring it on! Brian Nicodemus, 406.250.7311.

Whitefish takes proactive approach to pandemic

WHITEFISH PILOT // MARCH 19, 2020

Mayor John Muhlfeld on Thursday afternoon declared a state of emergency for the city related to the coronavirus.

Muhlfeld said the declaration allows the city to activate all emergency and disaster response plans within Whitefish and it also provides the ability for the city to recoup any funds related to emergency response plans related to the coronavirus.

“I want everyone in Whitefish to know that I have full faith and confidence in our emergency response plan and you should as well,” he said in a video released by the city.

The order also gives Whitefish the authority to control ingress and egress to all or part of the city, and reaffirming the ability to require employees that perform nonessential city services to work remotely.

“While this is definitely not a time to panic, it is a time to take bold action because what we do immediately will have long term implications,” Muhlfeld said.

Flathead County on Thursday issued an order by the county health officer closing bars, restaurants, casinos, athletic centers, indoor recreation facilities and theaters to the public. The order does not prevent restaurants from operating on a limited basis to provide take-out services, but they must close dining room facilities. The order goes into effect at 6 a.m. Friday, March 20.

Whitefish Market Heats up for 2020

January sales rose 16.5% in 2020 to 254 homes, compared to 218 in 2019 and 212 in 2018. January pending home sales ticked up 12% to 244 sales, showing a strong market for the new year.

Single Family Homes: January Sales / January Pending Sales

January closed sales January pending sales

Condos and Townhomes: January Sales / January Pending Sales

Whitefish condominium and townhome sales also increased in January of 2020 to193 units, a 23.7% increase over 2019. Pending sales are up 19%.

January condos pending

Whitefish single family homes, condos and townhomes supply

The Whitefish market has only a five month supply of inventory as of January 31, 2020. Sales in 2020 show that buyers are paying 98% of list price on the 447 units sold so far. The average days on market of January listings was 51 days from list to sale.

January months supply of homes for sale

Local Restaurants Dish Up to Charity

Café Kandahar’s Andy Blanton spearheads effort to churn out prepared meals for local food bank while Whitefish Community Foundation awards grants

FLATHEAD BEACON // BY TRISTAN SCOTT // MAR 23, 2020

Flathead food bank

As the Flathead Valley’s dining establishments pare back core services in response to emergency orders designed to slow the spread of coronavirus, local restaurants have begun dishing up prepared meals to food banks struggling to keep up with skyrocketing demands.

It’s a win-win arrangement for commercial kitchens trying to keep their pilot lights on and food banks whose inventories are dwindling rapidly amid the public health crisis.

To seed the partnership, the Whitefish Community Foundation awarded an initial $10,000 grant from its COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to local restaurants willing to participate, including Café Kandahar and the Whitefish Lake Restaurant during the initial phase.

“We’ve all switched our operations to takeout only, but we have the pieces in place to do a lot more,” said Andy Blanton, executive chef and owner of Café Kandahar in Whitefish. “In the restaurant industry, we are masters of crisis. We are ready and willing to mobilize and get food to people in need, and this could help, especially if more restaurants get involved. It helps us a little with self-preservation and it helps the community at a time of need.”

Looking for a beautiful Montana home, land and commercial property for sale near Whitefish? Call Pete Francisco for Whitefish real estate.

Sort Option

Price
Beds
Baths
Sq/ft
MLS Number

Grid

List

63 Rocky Creek Ln, Clyde Park, Park, Montana, United States 59081, ,Land,For sale,Rocky Creek Ln,1777

Featured

More Details

Beautiful 14 Acres in Clyde Park!

63 Rocky Creek Ln, Clyde Park, Park, Montana, United States 59081

21Picture(s)

0Acre

Nestled in the serene Shields Valley, Whitetail Meadows Ranch offers a tranquil retreat just moments from Clyde Park, 20 minutes from Livingston, and conveniently located an hour from both Yellowstone Park and Yellowstone International Airport.

$749,000

50 Pattee Trail, Bozeman, Park, Montana, United States 59718, 4 Bedrooms Bedrooms, ,3 BathroomsBathrooms,Single Family Home,For sale,Pattee Trail,1779

Featured

More Details

2,481 Sq Ft House in Bozeman

50 Pattee Trail, Bozeman, Park, Montana, United States 59718

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

1Picture(s)

2,481Sqft

Enjoy the convenience of single level living in this charming Parklands home that backs up to green space adding a buffer and offering a more expansive feel in the yard. The covered patio in the fenced backyard beckons entertaining. This 4 bed/3 bath home boasts a vaulted ceiling and fireplace in the main as well as large windows that allow natural light to pour in.

$1,175,000

TBD 5th Ave, Clyde Park, Park, Montana, United States 59018, ,Commercial,For sale,5th Ave,1761

Featured

More Details

4 1/2 City Lots in Clyde Park w/ US 89 Coverage

TBD 5th Ave, Clyde Park, Park, Montana, United States 59018

5Picture(s)

0Sqft

Opportunity abounds to the entrepreneur looking to start a business in Clyde Park, MT! These 4 1/2 city lots on the main drag spanning .311 acres total offer many uses to cater to your needs, Commercial or Residential! These level lots are in a convenient location with prime US 89 frontage and have city water in place, electrical and a septic system.

$679,000

000 Bhong Lane, Marion, Flathead, Montana, United States 59925, ,Land,For sale,Bhong Lane,1782

Featured

More Details

13 Acres in Marion

000 Bhong Lane, Marion, Flathead, Montana, United States 59925

22Picture(s)

0Acre

Beautiful 13+ acres in Marion Montana. Roughed in roads lead to amazing elevated benches with electricity available on Bhong Lane. The land is densely wooded with mature trees, offering potential for logging and opportunities for mountain views. No covenants or zoning allows for flexible land use.

$254,000

1980 Ridge Crest Dr, Whitefish, Flathead, Montana, United States 59937, 5 Bedrooms Bedrooms, ,4 BathroomsBathrooms,Single Family Home,For sale,Ridge Crest Dr,1781

Featured

More Details

3600 Sq Ft House with Short Term Rental Capabilities

1980 Ridge Crest Dr, Whitefish, Flathead, Montana, United States 59937

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

39Picture(s)

3,653Sqft

This unique modern home features over 3600sqft with Whitefish Lake access all located just 2.6 miles from Whitefish Mountain Resort and 2 miles from downtown and borders the Iron Horse community in the Suncrest Community. The main residence includes 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a bonus room off the kitchen, and a spacious upstairs family room with ample storage.

$2,600,000

238 N Prairiesmoke Circle, Whitefish, Flathead, Montana, United States 59937, 5 Bedrooms Bedrooms, ,4 BathroomsBathrooms,Single Family Home,For sale,N Prairiesmoke Circle,1780

Featured

More Details

Iron Horse Home

238 N Prairiesmoke Circle, Whitefish, Flathead, Montana, United States 59937

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

2Parking(s)

18Picture(s)

5,544Sqft

Located in the desirable Iron Horse community, this beautifully crafted, sophisticated Mountain Home sits atop a hillside delivering awe inspiring, expansive views of Whitefish Lake and the valley landscape beyond! This 5500+sq/ft home is perfect for entertaining or for those who enjoy the spacious comforts of an open living, dining, kitchen flow.

$4,899,000

2424 Morning Dun Road, Missoula, Flathead, Montana, United States 59804, ,Land,For sale,Morning Dun Road,1775

Featured

More Details

Acreage overlooking The Clark Fork!

2424 Morning Dun Road, Missoula, Flathead, Montana, United States 59804

14Picture(s)

0Acre

Seller is offering 120 as one larger lot or willing to break-up into 40 acre lots if desired by buyer or multiple buyers. Discover an extraordinary opportunity to own a truly unique piece of Missoula's history with this exceptional property. Nestled within the captivating landscape, this parcel holds a significant place in the region's past and represents a once-in-a-lifetime investment.

$2,250,000

8 Us Highway 2 E, Columbia Falls, Flathead, Montana, United States 59912, ,Commercial,For sale,Us Highway 2 E,1773

Featured

More Details

Commercial Property in the heart of Columbia Falls

8 Us Highway 2 E, Columbia Falls, Flathead, Montana, United States 59912

35Picture(s)

3,330Sqft

This is a fantastic opportunity in the heart of Downtown Columbia Falls. A half-acre lot with frontage on both the highway and city road, this historic site boasts a variety of potential uses under CB2 zoning. Once a mechanic shop, the building possesses distinctive features that could accommodate several businesses.

$1,350,000

301 Main Street, Kalispell, Flathead, Montana, United States 59901, ,Commercial,For sale,Main Street,1770

Featured

More Details

Historic Building on Main Street!

301 Main Street, Kalispell, Flathead, Montana, United States 59901

58Picture(s)

18,250Sqft

Wonderful opportunity to invest in downtown Kalispell. Historic building with mostly updated electrical with newer carpet in stairwells and upstairs. Fully leased office building with common area bathrooms and spaces. Current use is professional/office, retail, and variety with more than 95% occupancy.

$3,200,000

19 Results returned.Per Page

Search for Property

Use our easy search window to find that perfect Montana dream property! Search the multiple listing service for Whitefish real estate.

New records set for January snowfall in northwest Montana

By USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service MT

A steady stream of moisture form the Pacific yielded a significant amount of snowfall in the northwest river basins between December 30, 2019 and February 1, 2020. Many Mountain SNOTEL (snow telemetry) sites would report the highest, or second highest January snow totals on record. Although basins west of the divide would receive the most snowfall, the entire state benefited from the weather patterns during the month, with all river basins increasing their basin snowpack totals since January 1. All major river basins in the state are now near or above normal for snowpack for this date.

Download the latest NRCS snowpack report here.

Visiting Glacier Park in Spring

Spring is a beautiful and quiet time to be in Glacier National Park, however park visitors must be more self sufficient for there are very few services open in the park in the early spring.

Although some services adjacent and inside the park are open year round, most of the concession services and services adjacent to the park reopen for the season in late May to early June. During shoulder seasons, lodging and other guest services are available in gateway communities, such as in Whitefish.

Bring your snowshoes, cross country skis and snow boots so you are prepared to enjoy lingering snow. Day hikes are also popular in spring. And don’t forget the camera!

Find more information on Glacier Park’s website…click here.

Whitefish real estate Brian Nicodemus

Coronavirus impacts on the Montana land market

Whitefish selects firm for transportation plan study