January is the traditional time to reset and set goals for the coming new year. Of course, I am focusing on improving my health, pushing myself to do more in real estate, and being more present for my family. I encourage everyone to set goals for themselves to attain things they've never done before—2026 is the new year of achievement for us all! I certainly spent Christmas eating too many sweets and sitting by the fire, so I am ready to get moving again.
To wrap up 2025, I had many personal accomplishments, including starting my new real estate business, going on a dream trip to Fiji with my husband, hitting my book reading goal, and somehow keeping my house plants and yard flowers alive! Simon and I jeeped our hearts out exploring the Elkhorns, Big Belts, Tobacco Roots, and Bridger Mountains, seeing the most beautiful Montana landscapes – sans huckleberries, but that's a fun 2026 goal to add to the list! Now, we are eager to watch the Bobcats at Nationals on January 5th and are looking forward to expanding everything we've done this year into 2026.
One of my favorite memories wrapping up the holiday season was participating in the East Helena Christmas Convoy. Simon and I drove his work truck loaded with Cat equipment in the parade, and it was incredibly rewarding to see all the wonderful faces cheering on the convoy! Moments like that remind me why I love this community so much.
In that same spirit of connection, I am always open to meeting with anyone interested in setting their 2026 real estate goals. It doesn't matter what stage you are in—whether you are ready to list tomorrow, just thinking of buying your first home, or have no idea where to even start—I am here to guide you. Let's grab a coffee and map out a plan that works for you.
Cheers to the incoming year! Let’s make 2026 our best one yet!
Southwest Montana Real Estate Market Insights
While January is traditionally a quieter month for closed deals, it is the busiest month for strategy. The forecast for 2026 is shaping up to be a year of more balance. We are seeing signs of inventory slowly returning, which gives buyers more choices, while sellers are still seeing strong equity retention. Of course, the rates are always making a determining factor for movement on the market, so stay tuned to see what the Feds are anticipating for 2026. Tune in next month too where I'll be diving into MT property taxes once more.
My advice? Don't wait for spring to start planning. Buyers: Use this quiet time to get your pre-approval updated and watch the market without the pressure of bidding wars. Sellers: Now is the time for "pre-listing" prep. We can look at your home valuation today and make a checklist of small updates to maximize your return when the green grass returns.
The data for the broader Gallatin Valley reveals a surprisingly brisk winter market! With a median sales price of $827,500, values are holding strong. What is most notable, however, is the speed of the market: homes are going under contract in an average of just 22 days... I want to throw out some caution with these stats, as the snow hasn't hit yet and the new year will surely bring some pace-changing to the market that we haven't seen yet. I'll be very curious to see what the numbers show in 30 days' time! Inventory sits at 282 units, which is tight relative to the demand we are seeing. If you are a seller waiting for spring, you might be missing a window of low competition right now.
In Broadwater County, the market is the definition of "stable" as we enter 2026. The median price held steady at $565,000 (virtually unchanged from late fall), proving that values here are consistent. Homes are moving at a healthy pace of 40 days on market, which is slightly faster than we saw in late 2025. Inventory has crept up slightly to 38 homes, offering just enough choice for buyers without saturating the market. For those seeking affordability and a rural lifestyle without sacrificing equity potential, Townsend remains the sweet spot.
The "winter slowdown" is barely registering in the data. With Gallatin Valley homes moving in under a month and Townsend holding steady prices, 2026 is starting with a strong, active baseline. Whether you are looking in the valley or the county, the numbers say: don't hibernate on your real estate goals.
Gallatin Valley
Townsend
Data provided by Big Sky Country MLS for a Year-to-date analysis for Median Sales Price and Days on Market with an end-of-month review of Inventory; data updated 1/4/2026. Data numbers for the Gallatin Valley reflect single-family residential for Bozeman City (area 1), Greater Bozeman (area 2), Belgrade (area 3), and Manhattan/Three Forks (area 4). Data numbers for Townsend reflect single-family residential in 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
Rebecca Quackenbush
REALTOR®,
Senior Real Estate Specialist,
Distinctive Properties
406.580.2307
rebecca@eralandmark.com
1805 W Dickerson St, Ste 1
Bozeman, MT 59715
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