Property Taxes, Bobcat Football, & Prepping for Winter

All Things Montana This Season

September 23, 2025

September is here, and with it, a gentle reminder that the long summer days are starting to fade. It feels like only yesterday I was sharing my exciting news about becoming a licensed REALTOR®, and already, my schedule is beginning to fill out! I'm truly grateful for the incredible support from my community—friends, family, and new connections. Your trust means the world to me, and my passion for serving you all in this new capacity has only grown.

Even with a busy schedule, my top priority is to be a consistent source of support and resources for you. This month, as we transition from summer adventure to fall prep, I've compiled some of my recent blog posts that will help you protect your biggest investment and stay informed about the local market.

Simon and I have put some good miles on our jeep, lovingly named Nonna, exploring the Big Belts and Elk Horn ranges surround the Missouri River Valley. We've seen plenty of stunning views, stopped to pick wild raspberries, and even scared a black bear up a tree. We're not quite ready for summer to draw to a close, but anyone wants to go out on some fall adventures with us, hit us up!

Back to school is in full effect across Southwest Montana, and I am feeling nostalgic for the ol' hubbub! Every day is a great day to be a Bobcat, but Caturdays are extra special when the boys are playing at home! If you ever want to catch a game with us, just give us a shout! My husband and I love watching Bobcat football and are always looking for excuses to host a watch party for the out-of-town games. Download the schedule to your phone here to never miss a kick-off time.

I'm excited to also announce that I will be teaching a photography class this September for the Old Baldy Adult Education program through the Townsend school district! It's been a while since I've had opportunity to share my knowledge on the subject and am always happy to put my degree to work. It's a six week program and am looking forward to a fun time!

Last month, I had the opportunity to refine my real estate offerings by gaining my Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation. Aimed to help anyone entering into their gold years, I am now equipped to help aid homebuyers and sellers over through major financial and lifestyle transitions. From helping to identify key life stages, viewpoints, and transitions in relation to housing choices to educating my clients in how reverse mortgages, pensions, 401(k) accounts, and IRAs impact real estate decisions, I am equipped to help all senior citizens on their next real estate chapter. I'm proud to explore this area of service more and can report that I am the only agent in the Townsend area and am a part of only 3.5% of agents in the state of Montana with this designation!

As your local real estate expert, my goal is to provide as much support and as many resources as I can. I touched on some late summer home maintenance tasks, important property tax updates, and pest control that are worth the read! If you have any questions about these topics, are curious about the market, or are simply wondering about your home's value, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your referrals mean the world to me, and I'm always here to serve you and our community.

Southwest Montana Real Estate Market Insights

The Southwest Montana real estate market, from vibrant Bozeman to charming Townsend and everything in between, is dynamic and constantly evolving. Understanding these local nuances for single-family residential properties is key for both buyers and sellers, especially as we head into the seasonal shift of fall.

In Bozeman (Areas 1 & 2), the market remains highly active, but with a new set of data points. The median sales price for single-family homes has risen slightly to $922,500. Homes here are still moving quickly, with an average of just 25 days on market. The end of month inventory of single-family homes has also grown significantly to 771, which indicates that strong demand is being met with a healthy and increasing supply. This keeps the market competitive while offering more choices for potential buyers.

Meanwhile, in Townsend (Broadwater County), the market continues to present a different, yet equally compelling, opportunity. The median sales price for single-family homes has increased to $567,000. While homes here tend to stay on the market a bit longer than in Bozeman, with a median of 46 days on market, this still offers buyers a good window of time to make informed decisions. The number of homes available in Broadwater County has also expanded, with 130 single-family homes end of month inventory. This provides an excellent range of options for those seeking a more rural or small-town feel.

As we move into the fall season, it's natural for the pace of the real estate market to cool down slightly. The peak summer buying season, with its warmer weather and longer days, is giving way to the physical seasonal change that Montana is known for. This shift typically leads to fewer buyers in the market and can present a great opportunity for those who are serious about finding a home, as there may be less competition and more room for negotiation.

Looking ahead, the national interest rate landscape is also a key factor. Current forecasts from various economic authorities suggest that interest rates are expected to gradually come down. This is a positive sign for both buyers and sellers, as lower rates will increase purchasing power for buyers, potentially encouraging those on the fence to enter the market. This renewed buyer confidence could lead to a healthy and active market as we head into the new year.

Whether you're looking to buy or sell, staying informed about these specific local trends and broader economic factors is crucial. I'm here to provide personalized insights and guide you through the intricacies of your desired market!

Bozeman

Median Sales Price

$922,500

Days On Market

25

Inventory

771

Townsend

Median Sales Price

$567,000

Days On Market

46

Inventory

130

Data provided by Big Sky Country MLS for a Year-to-date analysis and updated 9/15/2025. Data numbers for Bozeman reflect single family residential for Bozeman City (area 1) and Greater Bozeman (area 2). Data numbers for Townsend reflect single family residential all of Broadwater county. If you want more detailed information about specific areas and listing types, contact Becca for more details.

Becca's Monthly Recommendations

Photography: Unlock your Camera! | Sep 17 - Oct 22

I'm beyond excited for the opportunity to teach a photography class again! When I saw the opening for class suggestions for the Old Baldy Adult Education program in Townsend, I had to jump at the opportunity. My background is actually in photography as I studied for my BA at Montana State, and still continue on with my own photo biz Running Horse Photography.

This class will be a six part series kicking off Wednesday, September 17th, and all are welcome! It's free and you don't have to attend all the sessions to learn something new about your own digital cameras and how to take some beautiful photos. Sign up below!

The Copy Cup LLC

An absolute Townsend staple you have to stop through is the Copy Cup LLC coffee shop, right off the highway in town! Need a notary? How about a quick copy? Still need to send a fax? Go no further as Copy Cup has your back, and delicious espresso to boot.

My dogs know the instant we pull into the drive thru window, as there is always a milkbone waiting for them as well as a pastry for myself! They offer daily and weekly specials, but now that it's after Labor Day, I'm allowed to have PUMPKIN SPICE again. Their dirty pumpkin spiced chai lattes? Heaven in a cup!

Beyond the Big Sky | Sep 19-20

"This summer and fall, come see the cosmos in a way few ever experience! Montana Learning Center at Canyon Ferry Lake will be opening the doors to its world-class astronomical park — the largest public-access observatory in the Northwestern United States — once each month from June through September for four unforgettable weekends of stargazing, exploration, and discovery."

Simon and I did this back in July and it was an AMAZING experience that included the opportunity to look through the observatory's 36" telescope! Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, and a red headlamp! Pro tip: take a nap earlier in the day to help you stay awake when the stars come out!

Grow Hollyhocks!

As an amateur gardener, I've been experimenting with various types of flowers each summer. I've mastered straw flowers, failed at poppies, and fell in LOVE with hollyhocks. I've harvested seeds already for six different colors, so let me know if you want some to try your hand! They're patient-driven flowers as they don't blossom until their second year, so plant them and forget them until summer of 2027!

Townsend Fall Festival | Oct 3-5

Hosted by the Townsend Rotary Club, the long standing and much anticipated Townsend Fall Festival returns again during the first weekend of October this fall! I don't think it's too early to put this out to my folks to get it saved in your calendars! The vendors, food, and music line-up is always so much fun and I look forward to this event every year! Almost everyone in Townsend participates for the three day event. Get your holiday shopping out of the way, see some neat cars during the car show, and plan on eating some fantastic food.

"Short History Of..." Podcast

I LOVE a good podcast! I've been hooked on this Noiser podcast network as well, and they have a podcast focusing on short but interesting historical events of all varying topics each episode. I have turned into quite the history buff in my old age over here, and this podcast helps me get through house chores the best!