Cary's Blog

Flathead Weekly Update: November 6, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:11:37 -0600

Election results are in: changing of the guard in both Kalispell and Whitefish. Kalispell has a new mayor, 33 yr old Tammi Fisher, a local attorney. Some change in the personnel on Kalispell City Councel as well. Whitefish put in new council members. It will be interesting once everyone is in office if these are changes for the better or not.

School elections in Kalispell had differing results for restoring the building funds. Elementary passed and high school failed. The way the schools are in the valley is a bit different. Elementary in the city of Kalispell would have those voters voting. For the high schools, enrollment covers quite a wide area with voting coming from voters not necessarily in town and in the town elementary districts. Is this a push back on high schools from the new construction of Glacier High and major remodel on Flathead High? District is considering going back for another vote on this later on. My take was that the taxes would not increase, just stay the same to build up the reserve.

Weather had been mild but now is getting colder. Need to start getting the snow pack built up on Big Mountain in time for an early December opening day.

Flathead Valley Weekly Update: October 28, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:03:15 -0500

by Cary Jo

Snow!! Yes, some wet stuff is falling today. A cold front is passing through and giving us a little white, so far nothing is sticking in the valley, but should be in the mountains.

Hunting season opened last Sunday. You could feel the buzz in the air. Not a lot of success, but never the less many wait months for the chance to walk around in the woods looking for game.

Successful closing on my first REO - bank owned property. I had a seller and even with the extra paper work, went very smoothly. The good thing about an REO, there is no delay in a response back from the seller (lender). In a short sale you can literally wait for months for an answer. In my way of thinking, my buyer got a great deal since this house should have been around $200k and sold for $182k.

Off to deliver home books to 2 of my new listings!

Flathead Valley Weekly Update: October 22, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:31:42 -0500

It has been a busy week in my real estate business. I have hardly put my head up to see what is going on around me in the valley. 4 new listings, 1 large commercial property, 3 more closings before the end of the month - LOTS of paperwork!! It is all good. The nice thing about being in this business for so long is referrals from past clients. 2 of those just this week.

Election for mayor of Kalispell is picking up speed as far as campaigning goes. Watching with interest to see if there will be a changing of the guard. I really have no say since I don't live in the city limits, but it does effect me anyway since I work and sell real estate in the city.

Fresh Life church is a fairly new Calvary church in Kalispell. They meet in a former movie theater in town and have just bought another, the Liberty, to do a simulcast service since they max out their space even with 3 services. Dynamic teaching and great music. Levi, the pastor, is in his 20's but definitely has a gift for teaching.

Off to take photos of a new listing. Watch my web site for the newest listings.

Flathead Valley Weekly Update: October 15, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:58:17 -0500

Sailboat came out of Flathead Lake today for the winter. The lake gets drawn down in preparation for next Spring's snow melt, so the 30' boat is lifted out and put on blocks for the winter. Always a little sad to see another sailing season pass, but looking forward to skiing!!

Kalispell and Whitefish city elections are coming up. The Daily Interlake is full of campaign news and opinions. Be interesting to see if there is a changing of the guard in November.

It appears that the long awaited Kalispell Highway 93 bypass construction will be going out to bid very soon. I have yet to hear where the funds are coming from to actually build it, but they must be there available to use.

I had lunch yesterday at Kalispell Regional Hospital with client and friend Dr. Melissa Hulvat. Melissa is the new breast surgeon at the hospital. She has been very busy speaking during this breast cancer awareness month. If you have to go through such a trauma, Dr. Hulvat is the gal you want to take care of you! I got a tour of her clinic, very homey and comfortable - for a doctor's "digs" as she calls them.

Flathead Valley Weekly Update: October 10, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:54:32 -0500

WINTER??? What is normal weather for NW Montana? Who knows. 2 weeks ago we were 15-20 degrees above normal. Now we are the same difference below normal. Snow yesterday, now today, bitter cold. My horses are putting on their winter fir as quickly as they can, but will blanket them for the next couple of days. Next week the weather promises to return to "normal" temperatures.

Kalispell Ski Club swap is this weekend at the fair grounds. Plan on getting my ski pass for Whitefish Mountain Resort photo taken so I am ready when the mountain is ready.

Winterizing the bee hives this week. They are hunkered down in the bottom feed box trying to stay warm. A lot of honey there for them to eat and get through the winter.

Flathead Valley Community College has a very well done play we saw last night, "The Art of Dining". Good for a few laughs. Great turnout. Love the new theater.

Good day for knitting. Camas Creek Yarns has a beginning class this morning. Stop by Colter Coffee for an Americano and walk down to the yarn shop to be in the cozy store and re-learn how to knit.

Flathead Valley Weekly Update: September 29, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:57:43 -0500

Okay, I missed the blog update last week, I was working hard! 4 buyers in 3 days. 1 relocation, 1 out of state buyer, 2 buyers getting in on the $8000 tax credit and they need to close by November 30, 2009.

It was a weekend of fund raising dinners. Saturday night at Flathead Valley Community College was the auction/dinner for the Glacier Institute and the Big Creek Camp for kids. During the school year, school groups go to the camp to learn about critters and life in the wilderness. In the summer, intercity children arrive for week long camps to be exposed to something outside of their normal environment. They hike/backpack/raft/fish etc. Great cause!! The camp is on Forest Service land across the river from Glacier National Park.

Sunday was an awesome dinner at Kandahar Restaurant at the Whitefish Mountain Resort for the Flathead Community College Foundation. Chef Andy wowed us all with his usual local and unique offerings. He is the best chef and the most creative!!

Summer weather continues with temps in the 70's to 80's. That will come to an end later this week, so taking each sunny day as it comes!

Flathead Valley Update: September 18, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:24:42 -0500

Summer continues!! The weather has been nothing but sunny and warm. The garden continues to produce and we are taking every summer day we can get!!

Took in some amazing homes last Friday on the Parade of Homes put on by the Flathead Building Association. Outstanding craftmanship in some of the homes I visited.

Kalispell Chamber of Commerce had their monthly luncheon at the Flathead Community College this week. I cannot say enough about this educational resource right here in our valley. Enrollment is up 38% this year! There are many programs that enable students to stay in the Flathead Valley and obtain a 4 year degree. The culinary arts program does weekly Friday night dinners in their kitchen. We are going to the one tonight with some friends. For $38 we will get a 4 course gourmet dinner served by the students with explanations of the cooking and prep process. Crown of the Continent lecture series has started weekly at the college. Speakers lecturing on geology and everything else that makes Glacier National Park what it is.

For the 2nd time in 2 weeks, I have received multiple offers on one of my listings! Yes they are $200k or below, but that is what we need to get this market back on track. Showings since Labor Day have also taken off.

Flathead Valley Weekly Update: September 11, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:41:01 -0500

This week: a market update

As soon as August hit, showings started escalating in all price ranges. A brief lull the last week of the month then last week offers started flying in. I received 3 offers on one listing and through a multiple counter offer, went over the asking price.

Price range: under $200k inventory is what is really moving. I have a buyer under $200k and her choices are drying up quickly. I am losing one renter to a home purchase. Buyers in the lower ranges are feeling the need to lock something up if they are first time home buyers. They need to close no later than December 1. Between FHA and Rural Development, there are good programs out there for 0 to very little down payment.

I expect Sept/Oct to be much hotter. Traditionally these months were always strong but the last 2 years proved it is anyone's guess right now.

Don't wait too long if you are a buyer, the tables will turn and it won't be a buyer's market at some point.

Flathead Vallery Update: September 4, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:33:37 -0500

Okay, I missed last week's blog. Glacier National Park was calling my name and I had to get one more camping trip in this summer. We loaded up our camper with bikes and kayaks and headed to Many Glacier on the east side. The campground was full already so headed back towards East Glacier and the Two Medicine campground. What a gem! See photos below. We camped on the lake, went to the evening ranger talks, hiked, biked and kayaked. The campground empties out each morning with everyone heading for the trails. We took the easy hike to 3 different waterfalls with a moose siting on the way. Day trippers drive into the parking lot and take a boat tour of the lake or stop in at the historic general store. We will be back next year!

Flathead County Library designs are in for the new Kalispell branch. Location yet to be determined. We'll see where it goes.

Harvest time: 2 big totes of apples from my trees, tomatoes ripening, squash and pumpkins coming along nicely. The honey bee hives in the garden have helped out immensely! Could do without this nasty year of hornets however.

Had an afternoon sail on Flathead Lake this week. A storm brewed up and it got very gusty quickly. 30 mph gusts are no fun! Took the sails down and headed for safe harbor.

University of Montana Griz game tomorrow in Missoula. Never been and looking forward to it. An easy drive down and back. Should be fun.

Craming all the fun into the remaining days of summer. Never know when the first frost might hit. Real estate sales are definitely picking up so working quite a bit as well. New listings, new buyers, both taking advantage of the slowly turning market.

Flathead Valley Update: August 19, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 06:47:44 -0500

Why did I want to type in July instead of August for the date of this blog? Is it because summer is flying by and I want a do over on the last month?

We have had some cold and rainy weather in the last week but supposed to be very hot the end of this week. The cold and rainy weather had terrible timing for our rafting trip - 3 days - on the North Fork. We were drenched and cold even with wet suits on. It was a cabin float so stayed in real beds the 2 nights out, Our guide, Dean, was awesome!! Made it as comfortable as possible. All the food was great. What a lot of work lugging all that stuff around. www.glacierguides.com is the place to go for rafting, guided backpacking in Glacier National Park, hikes, fly fishing, etc. Awesome company and great guides. Most guides return year after year, so a lot of experience there.

It is fair week. We will pass on attending this year. Lots of other activities to choose from. Saw Alpine Theater Project's latest play Sunday. Fantastic as always. Whitefish attracts many Broadway performers for each play that they do in the summer.

Working on shelter and fencing for dairy goats - just 2. A new farm land experience. Got 5 layer hens this week. Looking forward to my own eggs again. They are so much better than store bought. Molly the golden retriever is guarding them. Can't figure out if she wants to play with them, attack them, or mother them. Never leaves the coop though.

Real Estate is picking up! 2-3 showings on my listings each day. Got an offer last week and one this week. Buyers are getting much more active and I am receiving many contacts a week through my web site. So encouraging!

Flathead Valley Weekly Update: August 6, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:20:38 -0500

We have had some nice rains lately. 2nd cutting of hay is happening so waiting to get my alfalfa in.

Kalispell new City Manager is in town to start her job. Still don't get the need for both a mayor and manager, but that is the way it is.

Glacier International Airport is getting some runway work done. Starting August 3, the airport is closed 3 days a week to enable this project to get completed quickly and while the weather is good.

The new interchange on Highway 93 and Church Drive is just about ready to open. While normal in larger metropolitan areas, a cloverleaf interchange in Flathead Valley is a first. Should keep traffic moving safely - the extra lanes completed on Highway 93 are also a huge benefit to safety.

The current real estate market in the valley is picking up ever so slowly. Expect it to remain a buyer market for a few more months. I have done absorption rate reports this month for all my sellers. Very interesting. Take comparable listings that sold in the last 12 months, divide into 12, that gives you the amount of homes sold per month in that range. Then take all the actives that are comparable listings and divide that by the number sold per month in the last year. The result are the number of months your home or land will take to sell. It is vital to be at the top of the pack in both price and appearance to increase your odds of selling quickly.

A quote about the market I heard in Denver last week:

" Stop waiting for the storm to end and learn to dance in the rain"

The market is what it is, deal with it and move on.

Flathead Valley Weekly Update: July 31, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:01:40 -0500

The end of another month of wonderful summer weather and fun has come to a close.

Alpinetheaterproject.org just closed up the hysterical play, Spelling Bee. Great fun! Waiting for the big musical to open in a couple of weeks. Check out their web site for details.

2 of our favorite actors from Whitefish, have a weekly radio program on www.whitefishradio.com, North by Northwest. Gives an idea of what is going on in the valley and is homey and fun to listen to.

As I write this, I am in Denver for 4 days of intensive real estate classes to learn ideas from the top producer around the country to do my real estate business in Montana even better. Have pages of notes already and have chosen a few action items to implement right away. It has been interesting to hear how some of these awesome agents have evolved and changed in our changing market. Some have been so badly hit that I truly feel blessed to work in Kalispell Montana.

A quote I heard this week: "Quit waiting for the storm to end and learn to dance in the rain". Love it!

Flathead Valley Update: July 19, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:52:23 -0500

Activities in the sun: Horse ride to Stanton Lake (16 miles east of W. Glacier) see photo below. Sailing on Sunday on Flathead Lake. Awesome steady wind. Fun day with friends and clients.

Coming this week: Spelling Bee - Alpine Theater Project

Art in the Park - Kalispell

The Event at Rebecca Farms - Kalispell, Olympic qualifying 3 day event. Walk the cross country course Friday and Saturday to watch the jumping over obstacles. Free to the public. Bring sunscreen and a chair.

Take a river raft ride down the Middle Fork in Glacier Park.

Look for that perfect home or piece of land in the Flathead Valley. It is still a buyer's market!!

Flathead Valley Update: July 15, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:00:04 -0500

Summer weather is returning today after 2 days of badly needed rain. Hopefully that dose of moisture will keep the forest fires at bay this year.

Hiking in Glacier National Park: We did the Apgar Lookout trail on Sunday. Felt like quite an accomplishment! 2.8 miles of 1900' elevation gain. Awesome views from the top made it worth while. Photo below. Planning a camping trip to Many Glacier where the peaks are amazing viewed when hiking.

Farmers Market in Whitefish last night was great. Good music, friends wandering around and fresh produce.

Sailing Saturday a.m. in Dayton on Flathead Lake. Perfect conditions for a sail to Wild Horse Island. So hard to work here in the summer with so many outdoors fun things to do!

Flathead Valley Update: July 2, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:05:18 -0500

So, summer is now in high gear with the big 4th of July weekend upon us.

Kalispell: Start of Thursday Fest - downtown street shut down for music, food and gallery openings

Farmer's market in the mall parking lot each Saturday morning - great to start with a panini breakfast at Bonelli's on First Ave East, sometimes we take our bikes and hit the bike trail afterwards

Wednesday concerts at Depot Park noon hour and Tuesday nights

Whitefish: Art Festival at Depot Park all weekend, always a great time with some awesome art

Gallery Nights first Thursday night of the month

Farmer's Market every Tuesday night with live music

Alpine Theater Broadway in Whitefish, 3 plays this summer

Disney Christmas train arrives on the 10th for tours as it crosses the country promoting Christmas film

Whitefish Mountain Resort opens Alpine Slides, Walk thru the Treetops, and zip line tours

Never a dull moment in the Flathead for summer! Just hard to fit it all in!

Augusta Montana rodeo June 26, 2009 on the eastside of the Rockies - REAL Montana!

Flathead Valley Weekly Update: June 23, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:39:16 -0500

Big News: 2 grocery store openings in 1 week! If you don't live in our valley, this is indeed big news. Safeway in Whitefish has been closed since last September to do a huge remodel and expansion. I visited the store yesterday. The highlight for me was the fresh fish section. Starbucks is inside along with a cafe. Missing: natural foods section. Super One is opening up downtown Kalispell this week. This is within walking distance to my office so very handy. I can count on this store for great produce and a big natural foods section.

Glacier National Park and the Going to the Sun road update: Plows worked through the Big Drift. This is the yearly landmark that means the road should open soon all the way through. Because of construction on the road however, it will be opening later than the date the road is plowed clear.

We have had a lot of rain the last few days which was very much appreciated. My hay crop was not doing too well without the rain. Now some sun and we should get a great crop after all.

We visited the Museum of America in Polson at the south end of the lake on Father's Day. There are 35 buildings on the site with everything imaginable. A collector gone mad!

Flathead Valley Update: June 14, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:20:15 -0500

Yes, it is a Sunday, but it was also a work day with an open house and checking out 2 renters in our townhomes. A sunny, hot day until the thunder storms rolled in this afternoon. We need rain on our hay fields. They are behind schedule so for once will not be doing hay over the 4th of July.

Sailboat is in Flathead Lake. A yearly affair putting it in when the lake is at full pool in June and taking it out for the winter in early October. No easy feet with a 30' boat! A big truck picks it up and launches it. The great engine starts every year.

Interest rates are raising but still time to buy. Had a buyer lock in at 5.5% this last week. Still great rates.

Garden is blooming away with all the sun and warmth this week.

Big Drift report: plows reached the Big Drift on Going to the Sun Highway in Glacier National Park. Always a sign that the full highway will be open soon.

Kalispell has hired a new city manager, we will watch and see how this Indiana man works out.

Flathead Valley Update: June 5, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:03:52 -0500

When visiting NW Montana this summer or just looking for something to do:

Favorite restaurants: Kalispell - Capers on Main Street

Whitefish - Kandahar on Big Mountain

West Glacier - Belton Chalet

Favorite Glacier National Park location: Many Glacier

Favorite Summer Theater: Alpine Theater Project in Whitefish, Broadway caliber in the valley

Bigfork Theater - musicals nightly in the summer with college intern actors

Biking: Kalispell and Whitefish bike trails

Mountain Biking: Herron Park, Kuhn's wildlife area, Big Mountain

Hiking: close in Jewel Basin, Big Mountain, Herron Park (Foys to Blacktail)

Farmer's Markets: Kalispell - Sat. mornings, Whitefish - Tuesday evenings

Concert series: Kalispell Depot Park - Wednesdays at noon, Tuesday evenings

Rebecca Farms - Glacier Orchestra concert on the lawn - check either web site

Sailing: Flathead Lake either at the Northshore Yacht club or Dayton

Motor boating: Hungry Horse Reservoir, Flathead Lake, Whitefish Lake, Tally Lake - many more lakes, too many to mention

3 Day Horse Event: The Event at Rebecca Farms, late July

MANY more things to do - too many to mention!! Summer is short but very sweet.

Flathead Valley Weekly Update: May 27, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Wed, 27 May 2009 06:24:07 -0500

Whitefish Farmer's Market: a not to be missed Tuesday night event in the summer! Live jazz, good food, vendors of everything to make the evening fun. A great atmosphere to shop in and just enjoy a warm summer eveing. Afterwards, we had dinner at Latitude 48 - wonderful.

2 not to be missed local products at the market: Flathead Valley grown hydroponic tomatoes and butterhead lettuce; The Back Home Bakery "just like France" bread products and the most awesome croissants this side of the Atlantic! The bakery is tucked away west of Kalispell in the hills of West Valley. An incredible one man bakery which supplies local shops and restaurants. Check out the web site: thebackhomebakery.com .

It was a lovely Memorial Day weekend in the Flathead. Sun, 75+ degrees. Many people headed to Glacier National Park - the road is not open all the way through the park yet, but still can bike in further than drive and enjoy seeing the spring time progress of the snow melt.

More and more buyers are starting to jump into this buyer's market. Still a great opportunity to grab a good deal in this wonderful valley.

City of Whitefish is debating where to put public parking lots. Alpine Theater Project has their summer season tickets on sale - we always subscribe. Broadway caliber in the valley.

Flathead Valley Weekly Update: May 18, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:41:56 -0500

After a weekend long horse clinic as an observer, I decided the weather was just too nice today so I "worked from home" today - didn't get here until after 10am from a double workout, but never the less, got to be in the sun gardening, riding horses, checking bees, swimming and just being in the awesome sun. Don't worry, with the phone and internet got the work that needed to be done taken care of. But you know, life and summer are to short to not seize the moment and live life. It isn't all about work after all!

City councils are meeting tonight. Whitefish is batting around ideas for downtown parking. By the way, Safeway is finally set to open in Whitefish after a yearlong remodel. City council news comes out in the Daily Interlake on Thursdays, so will know what Columbia Falls, Kalispell, and Whitefish come up with at that time.

Don't wait, it is time to make reservations for any lodging in Glacier National Park. The season is short, accommodations limited, and every year people miss out by trying to be last minute.

Long weekend coming up, planning some horse riding and bike riding on some of the new, extended bike trails.

Flathead Valley Update: May 14, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Fri, 15 May 2009 06:50:02 -0500

An exciting horsey weekend starting on Friday in the Flathead Valley! Clinton Anderson is doing a horse clinic here for 3 days. I have tickets for all three days. I have utilized his videos and techniques for years so am very excited to watch him in person. Individuals will have their horses at $2000 a piece so we will watch them learn and progress through the 3 days. He is coming from Texas so this is very cool in our little valley.

I showed clients homes on small acreage for 2 days last week so have been exposed to a lot of properties in the $300k to $600k range on 5-10 acres. Some decent choices out there.

Been doning the bee suit and checking on the hives in our garden area. Feels like a steep learning curve, but pretty facinating all the same.

Dirt work is happening on Super WalMart near Target, etc. Will be nice to have a grocery store at this end of town.

Should be a good hay crop this year with all the snow we had and the rain is still off and on this spring.

Flathead Weekly Update: May 7, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:28:24 -0500

Glacier National Park plowing is proceeding after a big dump of snow last week slowed progress in getting the Going to the Sun highway open. It is always fun to see r.v.s driving through Kalispell on the way to the park in May when the road is not open all the way through until sometime in June depending on the weather.

Whitefish Mountain Resort (Big Mountain to me) is selling next year season passes. The great news is that the price did not go up. Thos of us with season passes from this last winter are able to ride up the mountain for free this summer to take advantage of the zip lines, walk thru the tress and other summer activities.

A new hobby on our ranch: honey bees. We have installed the bees in 2 new hives in our back garden. Already having fun watching these busy bees carrying in pollen and working on establishing their new homes. Will get suited up this weekend to take an in depth peek into the hives to see what is going on and if all is well. Fortunately we have friends who are giving us lots of advice. There is a steep learning curve but what facinating creatures!!

Flathead Valley Update: April 21, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:06:48 -0500

Tax day has come and gone and spring is here! Temps in the 70's lately and NICE. Seems like everyone has come out of hibernation. Traffic is thickening edging towards summer.

The new Super One grocery store in Kalispell is making encouraging progress in the remodel. Looking forward to having a large supermarket near my office again. With construction very slow, it gives a glimmer of hope. Waiting for the Super Walmart to start construction in the Costco area.

CASA, court appointed special advocate for children, is an organization I volunteer for. Currently I am on a break between cases, but a compelling article in the Daily Interlake for the great need for more CASAs to help with the caseload is prompting me to get back in the game. We CASAs are the sole voice for the child or children who are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. It is an extremely stressful and emotional volunteer job and takes many hours to do court reports, interview family, social workers, counselors, teachers and spend time getting to know the child. All our work helps the judge decide what is best for the child. My last case made me just want to take this 10 year old boy home and raise him with boundaries and love, but of course that isn't possible. The state always tries to reunify the child with their parents or at least a family member. I definitely learned about the "other side of the tracks" in our wonderful valley. Drugs and alcohol are often the cause of family problems as is abuse. If you want to make a difference, look into volunteering for this wonderful organization.

Flathead Valley Update: April 12, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:58:35 -0500

Happy Easter everyone! After attending church in Whitefish with friends, went to brunch at the Grouse Mountain Lodge, awesome! Surprised to see snow on the golf course still that the lodge sits on.

Weekend ranch happenings: horse riding, greenhouse growing, bee hives put together and painted, inventory of fences that need replacing (ugh!), hoses and patio furniture back out for the summer. Wonderful weather to get chores done. A funny think happend with my youngest Golden this week. Maggie has become used to walking on the swimming pool ice all winter. Well, this week she went swimming instead with two paws cling to a floating piece of ice. I had to coach her to the step so she could get out, all the while saying that I wasn't coming in to get her!

There are buyers out there! Many showings on my listings the last few days, all price ranges. Feel much more optimistic this spring than last. I have listings from townhomes, to houses on small acreage, to a house on an airstrip with a hangar, horse properties, just about anything in every price range. Getting many internet inquires from buyers or buyer prospects. Could be a busy year!

Chinese Proverb: "those who say it can't be done should not interupt those doing it"

Flathead Valley Update: April 5, 2009

Cary Jo Hofstad (West Venture Properties LLC) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:28:25 -0500

A happy and sad day. Hit the sunny slopes for the final day of skiing on Whitefish Mountain. Awesome! The 2 feet in the last 1.5 weeks made closing day great, better than 2 weeks ago. By this afternoon I am sure it was mushy. Put the season pass to rest and looking forward to horseback riding, sailing, gardening. Just need the snow to finish melting!

Kohl's and Pet Smart are canceling plans for their stores here. Retail is tough everywhere right now so makes sense. Kalispell is still looking forward to the super WalMart however.

Showings, showings - hey, there are buyers out there!! Much more activity on my listings than a year ago, very encouraging. My web leads have picked up and have some great new listings. See on www.kalispellcary.com.