A dream of ours for several years has been to buy a house with some land where we could have the freedom to experience life as we intend to. We just realized that dream a little over a year ago and have been loving our new adventure. Although we loved our home prior to this one, there were too many restrictions that kept us from living the life we wanted to with our children. So many people are in the same boat; they want to experience this freedom, they want to have their animals, be more self-sufficient (which is something I believe, is so important in the world that we live in), and experience the peace and joy that comes with creating that kind of life. A passion of mine is helping families just like this find their perfect sanctuary- the place that they can call home while having the freedom they’ve been yearning for.
Exquisite Luxury Home in Laurel, MT
Come and tour this STUNNING luxury Montana home with me! I’ll walk you through just as if you are viewing it yourself. This home is located right next to the premier Laurel Golf Course, has expansive views of the Beartooth and Pryor mountains and has ALL the bells and whistles! Oh- I did I mention that the furnishings are included?!
How Cold Does Billings Get?
How flippen’ cold does it get here in Billings, Montana? This is a question asked by numerous people relocating here. Yes- it gets cold. Yes- some winters can be long and we’re ready for spring already. BUT- winter is stunningly beautiful and with the right mindset (and warm clothing, please) you can have an absolute blast. Check out my video for the details!
November 2022 Market Update
The housing a market is taking a shift here in Billings, Montana. See my video for the inside scoop!
Quick Synopsis:Market Update! Our market is shifting here in Billings, MT. See below for a quick synopsis (this analysis was done just a few days ago, so numbers may have changed slightly):
Out of a 500 Home Analysis:
154 Sold (past 6 months):
Average Days on Market: 24
Average Sold Price: $369,000
188 Active Listing:
Average Days on Market: 73 Days
Average List Price: $562,662
158 Contingent (under contract):
Average Days on Market: 31 Days
Average Price: $407,000
Billings, Montana's First HGTV House Hunters Episode
One of my biggest fears was speaking in front of a camera. You probably wouldn’t believe this, but the first time I did a YouTube video I actually cried out of frustration trying to record it. I had to make sure that my kids were asleep, my husband was out of town and that my cat wasn’t licking herself (I can’t be the only one that can’t stand that, right??) Basically I had to have ZERO distractions so I could talk to that little electronic device in front of me (I was convinced it would be the death of me). Despite all the made-up insecurities my brain was making me believe, I kept trucking through. I knew I needed to get over this fear to be able to reach and help more people (especially in this day and age of technology). After a few videos it became easier and after several, it started becoming second nature ( just like driving a car, baby!). I could never imagine that getting over this annoying little fear of mine would open up a totally unexpected door not only for my business, but for the community I love.
Several months ago I received a suspicious email from a gal claiming that she was the producer of HGTV House Hunters and that she’d like to talk to me about being on the show. My first thought was…SPAM. I talked to my husband and decided to give her a call to see what this was all about and if it was legit. Turns out it WAS the real McCoy and that also the producer was one of the sweetest human beings I’ve ever had a conservation with. She told me that this would be their very first Billings, MT House Hunters episode and while she was researching the area she came across my YouTube videos. After conversing about the area, cracking up about life with kids and getting more details on the show, I decided- Lets. Do. This (with subconscious bouts of total fear). The only thing I had to do next was find the perfect house-hunting couple, and that I did. We got through the next few months of quite the intense transaction (selling their home and buying their forever home), recently finished the filming and the coolest part? I’m still alive and well to talk about it.
The crew was such a blast to work with, my clients were amazing (and hilarious) and the whole experience was flat out awesome. I’m so excited to see this place I love highlighted in such a cool way and to be able to educate home-buyers and sellers through a platform like House Hunters. And for all you that are relocating: it’ll be a fun way to get to know our town even better.
As for now, stay tuned for the episode release date and ALSO- we’ll be doing more episodes in the future! If you’d like to be on the show , I’m your girl! Contact me for more info!
First-Time Home Buyers: No Down-payment, No Problem!
You would be surprised to see how many people miss out on the opportunity to own a home simply because they believe a down-payment is required. Don't be one of those people! So many options are available. Not only have I helped clients buy a home with no money down, I personally purchased my first two homes with zero down payment. It's absolutely possible and easier than you think! Check out my latest video to explore your options! Also- all you wonderful veterans out there: look into VA loans! No down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance (it's one heck of a deal, as it should be!)
Comedy at the Red Door: Steven Quezada of Breaking Bad
I just had a FANTASTIC evening with my husband at the Red Door. Breaking Bad is one of my all time favorite series and when we found out Steven Quezada (aka Agent Gomez) was performing a comedy skit there, we ordered our tickets right away. There is always something fun to experience here in Billings!
Deer and Antelope and Rabbits, Oh My!
I recently received a question on my YouTube channel about wildlife and if there is a need to fence them off here in the Wild Wild West. The short answer is- yes. Instead of Lions and Tigers and Bears, it's more like, Deer and Antelope and Bunnies. They might not be scary, but your garden may think so.
Must See Places Surrounding Billings: Livingston, MT.
I had the incredible opportunity to attend a book reading from one of my favorite philosophers in a quiant little bookstore located in the historical downtown area of Livingston, MT. Alan Watts passed on years ago, but his daughter of 84 had recently compiled a book of his collected letters and was the one to conduct the book-reading. My friend and I are philosophical nerds and it wasn’t’ much of a surprise that we were the youngest ones there. Alan’s glory days (so to speak) were in the 60’s, so that should give you a good idea of the audience. It was truly an unforgettable evening with some amazing people!
Joan Watts signing my book "The Compiled Letters of Alan Watts"
Livingston is located just beyond Yellowstone National park. It’s a small mountain town nestled alongside the Yellowstone River and surrounded by three mountain ranges: Crazy, Absoroka and Bridger (which makes for some breathtaking scenery).
Livingston, MT
My girlfriend and I had an amazing time while we were there. We hit up Second Street Bistro which is one of the best restaurants in town and I had THE most incredible scallop dish of my life. Later we went to the rustic little bar located in the Murray Hotel (where we were staying) to listen to live music and mingle with the locals. During our trip, I not only was able to meet the daughter of Alan Watts, but also Margo Kidder (you know- Super Man’s leading lady!) as well as the film director that produced the song Sunscreen (all you 80’s and 90’s babies should know that one!).
Superman's leading lady, Margo Kidder.
Livingston attracts some neat people and it’s no surprise- the scenery is beautiful, the town is rich with history and it’s located near some awesome Montana hot spots. One of those hot spots is Chico Hot Springs located in Paradise Valley (fun fact: John Mayor owns a home in Paradise Valley). Chico is one of my all-time favorite Montana destinations! If you make it to Montana, be sure to visit the town of Livingston and take the 20-min drive to dip in the Hot Springs and treat yourself to one of their 5 star meals inside the Chico lodge . You will not be disappointed!
Chico Lodge
Chico Hot Springs
Our First Winter Snow 2017
The snow has arrived! If you've watched my YouTube videos, you'll know that I'm one of those crazies that loves the snow. My mom told me it because I was born during a huge snow storm (on Christmas Eve of all days), so it's my natural element. I guess there might be some truth in that ;) We recently got dumped with about 6 inches of the white stuff and I'm hoping that's just the beginning. I want to see it by the foot!
Yesterday morning when I woke up, the first thing I did was head to the front kitchen window to get a glimpse of how much snow we received during the evening. It was still coming down and it wasn't just wimpy flurries, it was the good fat stuff that you can catch on your tongue. And if that wasn't enough to make me a morning person for just a brief moment (very brief), I looked over and saw a beautiful two point buck working his way through the snow to the green below. I quietly opened the front door so I could snap a picture. Him and I both stared at each other for a moment, then he continued on with his grazing and I continued on with my photo shoot.
I LOVE the wildlife here. We literally have deer going through our front and backyard on a daily basis. We also have two cottontail bunnies that my kids have named Long Ears and Fluffy. They seem to like our yard the best, maybe it's because they officially have names now and feel like true VIBS (very important bunnies).
As much as I love Fall here in Billings, I think I'm feeling just fine about making snowmen, going sledding and drinking hot cocoa (with a bit of wine mixed in, of course).
If you're planning a move or visit to Billings, don't let the snow scare you off! Get yourself a warm coat, gloves, and boots and you'll be just fine, I promise. Oh, and 4 wheel drive might be a good idea as well ;)