Winter is over and Spring has sprung!  Flowers are beginning to bloom and plans for the Spring and Summer are taking shape.  Don’t forget the great markets in our area and across Montana.  Here’s a link to Farmer’s Markets across the state of Montana!

Montana Farmer’s Markets

It’s that time of year when the winter blues can set in.  The Scandinavians have less light in the winter-time than Americans.  They’ve learned a few things that help keep the warmth and light in their hearts and homes.  Here are some tips from the frozen north that may help curb those winter blues!

“10 Scandinavian Design Lessons To Help Beat The Winter Blues” from Freshome.com.

We’ve “Mooo”ved!

We’ve “Mooo”ved! Windermere Bozeman is now located at 714 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 2!

We’re sending a loving farewell to our fearless leader, Richard Reid. Thank you to all of those who have supported Richard and Kate this last year. “Semper Fidelis Marines!”

Winter Farmer’s Markets in Montana!

Enjoy Farmer’s Markets all year long!

It’s a wonderful thing when you can drive to a local farmer’s market during the summer season and pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, eclectic arts and crafts, and eat something new from a local vendor.  In Montana, you’d think the farmer’s markets would wind down due to the cold weather and snow.  There are a couple of markets that remain throughout the season!

To view a list of all the seasonal Farmer’s Markets in Montana, click Montana Farmer’s Markets through the Montana Department of Agriculture.

Here are two Winter Farmer’s Markets in Montana that you might enjoy!

• Bozeman Winter Farmer’s Market in The Emerson Cultural Center (Sept – Apr)
• Helena Farmer’s Market in The Gateway Center (Nov – Dec)

The Bridger Raptor Festival highlights one of the largest Golden Eagle migrations known in the United States, over the Bridger flyway.  This event is celebrated every year at one of Bozeman’s popular ski hills – Bridger Bowl.

The Bridger Raptor Festival brings a host of activities, events, and awareness about the long migrations of these powerful raptors.  Activities and events include: nature walks, lectures, raptor spotting, journaling, sketching, and more.  It’s for everyone and it’s free!  To view the list of events, go to Bridger Raptor Festival’s events page and click on the orange date/time for details!  Mark your calendars October 7-9 for the Bridger Raptor Festival‘s activities!

Autumn Inside the Home – Maintenance Tips

Spring cleaning is over, but it’s never too late to go through a fall checklist of things to prepare before the winter!  Here are some “Autumn Inside the Home – Maintenance Tips” to consider.

• Furnace: Change your furnace filter according to the guidelines of your particular furnace and have it checked if needed, by a professional.
• Smoke Alarms: Add smoke alarms to the rooms in your home if you don’t already have them. Change the batteries in the smoke alarms that you do have.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors:  Change your CO2 Detector batteries.
• Fire Extinguishers: Buy fire extinguishers and put them in good access areas in your home.  Learn how to use them.
• Paint: Update walls with fresh paint.
• Clocks: Replace old batteries with new.
• Floors & Carpets: Refresh your floors & carpets with a thorough cleaning.
• Doggie Doors: Ensure doggie doors are fastened well and working properly.  Make sure they’re insulated for the cold weather.
• Winter Tools: Check and/or fix, replace, or buy: shovels, ice chippers, ice scrapers & brushes for cars, salt for sidewalks.
• Chimneys: Get rid of creosote buildup and have a chimney sweep come and clean your pipe!
• Use Weather Strips: Check and repair any leaks in doors and windows that will allow the cold winter air or moisture inside.
• Washer & Dryer: Check your washer and dryer hoses and vents to ensure they’re clean and in good shape.
• Hot Water Heaters:  Get rid of dirt and sediment in your water heater.  Houselogic has a good article for instructions.

Gallatin Association of Realtors report for September 2016

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The average sale price in August 2016 was $358,997, a five percent increase from the August 2015 average sale price of $343,239. Total sales volume was $87,949,404 during August 2016, up fourteen percent compared to $76,885,664 in August 2015.

“With overall sales up nine percent in August 2015 and the average sales price up five percent, we see the Gallatin area real estate market continuing to thrive,” said 2016 GAR President Tyler Garrison. “Our local REALTORS® continue to support this growth by helping both buyers and sellers navigate the market successfully.”

August 2016 statistics are as follows: 

Gallatin County Year-to-Year comparison for Residential Sales including Single Family Homes, Condominiums, Townhomes and Mobile/ Manufactured 

Residential Sales – Units

• August 2015: 224

• August 2016: 245

Residential Sales – Average Sales Price

• August 2015: $343,239

• August 2016: $358,977

Residential Sales – Total Sales Volume

• August 2015: $76,885,664

• August 2016: $87,949,404

Bozeman

• Units Sold: 159

• Average Sale Price: $368,339

• Total Sales: $58,565.879

Belgrade

• Units Sold: 51

• Average Sale Price: $251,993

• Total Sales: $12,851,625

Greater Manhattan

• Units Sold: 7

• Average Sale Price: $295,571

• Total Sales: $2,069,000

Greater Three Forks

• Units Sold: 4

• Average Sale Price: $501,475

• Total Sales: $2,005,900

Big Sky

• Units Sold: 24

• Average Sale Price: $519,042

• Total Sales: $12,457,000

Park County

• Units Sold: 31

• Average Sale Price: $288,119

• Total Sales Volume: $8,931,675

Madison County

• Units Sold: 18

• Average Sale Price: $246,967

• Total Sales Volume: $4,445,400

Beaverhead County

• Units Sold: 10

• Average Sale Price: $201,540

• Total Sales Volume: $2,015,400

Jefferson County

• Units Sold: 5

• Average Sale Price: $76,700

• Total Sales Volume: $383,500

Sweet Grass County

• Units Sold: 7

• Average Sale Price: $156,071

• Total Sales Volume: $1,092,500

Bozeman Public Library Events

The Bozeman Public Library, located on East Main Street is a fantastic place to find a great read, but also a fantastic stopping place to view local art and photography in their gallery.  Their’s plenty of parking for walkers and bikers who take advantage of the Gallagator Trail and Lindley Park next to the library.  A plethora of events and classes are continuously offered at the Bozeman Public Library.  Visit the Library Calendar of Events for details of upcoming classes!

It’s a wrap-up of summer heat!  With autumn comes the changing of colors and temperature.  To make life easier in preparation for the winter around your home, and to reduce stress before the snow begins to fall, here’s a brief list of autumn around the Home Maintenance tips.

•  Home Repair List: Create a list of anything around your home that needs repair
•  Landscaping Tips: Visit a local landscape maintenance company for tips on trimming your shrubs, foliage & trees
•  Trim: Trim the shrubs and trees
•  Rake: Rake leaves and pine-cones
•  Gutters: Clean the gutters of debris
•  Chimney: Have your chimney inspected and/or cleaned
•  Roof: Visually inspect the roof for damage (if needed, have a professional inspect and/or repair the roof)
•  Painting: Finish painting any outside siding that may be vulnerable to the winter weather
•  Planting: If you’re a garlic lover, plant garlic for next years’ harvest – see MontGuide
•  Garden Hoses: Unscrew all garden hoses, get rid of the water in the hoses, and put them away before the temperature freezes 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius
•  Mow the Lawn: Mow the lawn before winter sets in to keep rodents from making it their home
•  Mower: Get the mower ready for winter storage.  Store your mower in a dry place or cover it to protect it from moisture after you do the following: remove the battery (negative terminal first), clean under the deck, sharpen the blade, unplug the spark plug lead, replace the spark plug if necessary, replace the air filter, change the oil, either get rid of the fuel or add a fuel stabilizer to your fuel prior to storage.  Then, at storage time, make sure that it’s 95% full with the added stabilizer – see https://www.goldeagle.com/tips-tools/lawn-mower-storage-why-draining-fuel-tank-mistake
•  Tools: Inspect and repair or replace your tools: rakes, shovels, mower, sprinklers, hoses, wheel barrels, saws, clippers, etc.
•  List: Create a list of things you’ll need for winter maintenance – such as shovels and salt for sidewalks
•  And finally, start a cozy fire on the hearth and enjoy your peace of mind!