Scott's Blog

Waterfront Opportunity Like None Before

Scott Hollinger (RE/MAX of Bigfork) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:58:59 -0500

Well the sellers are poised to make a lot of buyers for waterfront properties happy.Happy because they are buying at the right time and happy because it's the only investment you can personally enjoy.Here's what's happening and why it's the time to buy.In the first five months of this year only one home has sold on Flathead Lake,Swan Lake,Echo Lake,Lake Blaine,Ashley Lake,Bitterroot Lake,McGregor Lake and Lake Mary Ronan.Where do you think prices are going to go in order to fill that void. Wow,waterfront sales in Northwest Montana have never been like this.It's time to jump in and own a lake home.Those that don't will look back and say I wish I would have taken that leap of faith.

Price changes

Scott Hollinger (RE/MAX of Bigfork) — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:22:39 -0500

There is no advantage to making a price reduction when everyone else is other than to not be priced higher than the group that still hasn't sold.Do it before they do and have the advantage of being first instead of an 'also ran'.

Two war chests

Scott Hollinger (RE/MAX of Bigfork) — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:36:28 -0500

To do the best job for our customers in this market we need two war chests.One is the strong mental war chest.The ability to stay focused and know the efforts will be productive.Two is the financial war chest.The ability to meet costs and maintain a fully operating enterprise.

Sellers need the Three P's

Scott Hollinger (RE/MAX of Bigfork) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:16:35 -0600

In the market and economy we have now, sellers need a simple business plan that works. I have broken it down to the core necessities, the Three P's, that seem simple but have been neglected in the past. For some it's a tough message to give their sellers.

First P is PROFESSIONAL. If a seller has hired someone that has not been through a down market there is limited experience in how to create sales in this climate. If the agent is supplimenting their income with part time work elsewhere, they are greatly handicapped. If an agent took their license home to cut costs, the support of office services is gone. More than ever a full time experienced agent in a seasoned office is a key ingredient for sellers to reach their goals. A professional has the tools and knowledge to accomplish the task.

Second P is PRICE. There is no doubt that price is more critical than ever. With an abundance of property for sale it is easy to be lost in the herd - this is where a professional is confident enough in their capabilities, knowledge and experience to have the frank discussion about where to price, how to monitor progress & feedback, and when to have another frank discussion usually sooner than later. One pricing idea is to price it at next year's sales price now. This is especially powerful in declining markets. Another is the idea of being first in line (lowest of the competition).This is a good strategy in slow markets where few buyers are appearing and you want to be picked first when the opportunity arises.

Third P is PATIENCE. If the first two P's are done properly the market still dictates patience. There is no magic wand to instantly create buyers. It means listening, watching and being confident in the the decisions made. I like to say 'Stay the course'. There is negotiating strength in the resolve of letting a professional and proper pricing do their work. Patience will also give you the needed tools if and when the time comes to re-evaluate the market and the price position.

Now is the time to buy waterfront real estate

Scott Hollinger (RE/MAX of Bigfork) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:32:38 -0500

I have been reading lately about the investors moving into the real estate market.I read to day that 77% of Americans earning more than $500,000 per year believe there is opportunity in purchasing right now.In the next year more than 40% plan to add more real estate to their holdings.The reason?Well 88% of them think values are going up.

But you say 'I don't make $500,000 a year'.That's ok ,those folks didn't either at one time.However I bet they started investing in real estate over time and now that is part of the money machine.That's why they keep repeating the success cycle.It can start by investing in a vacant lot.Maybe with a partner.Think, if you buy one property a year for ten years you would be financially set.It doesn't matter what you buy just make the commitment.You will find that well before the tenth year your first properties will have increased in value enough to sell for larger investments or have enough equity to pull money out be refinancing.Money you can use to buy more real estate.

It takes a leap of faith,some thinking and planning,goal setting and some patience to watch for the opportunity.Here's the ultimate...invest in something you can play with at the same time.Waterfront is blue chip real estate and you can play with it while you own it.I've watched for generations and it will happen for generations to come.Spring is here!

Spring in the Flathead Valley and Thinking about docks

Scott Hollinger (RE/MAX of Bigfork) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:38:38 -0500

Spring is rushing in with warm weather and the snow is gone from the Flathead Valley floor.Skiing on Big Mountain ends April 6th even though they have nearly record snow.Eagle Bend and many of the other golf courses are open.Waterfront owners that need to repair,replace or install their dock need to make sure they have their permit lined up.This is a busy time of year for the planning offices.If you go to our web site LastBestPlace.com you can download the regulations and application form.The process is not that hard and if you have someone doing the work for you they can fill it out and get the permit.If you are doing repairs,read the rules carefully.You may find out that because the project is small you don't need a permit.Then you will be ready to have a great summer of playing on Montana's finest lakes.

Northwest Montana Waterfront Market Watch

Scott Hollinger (RE/MAX of Bigfork) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:15:07 -0600

This year is starting out with an interesting twist for lake homes in Montana's in the Flathead Valley.Right now there are only 9 lake homes total for sale on Echo Lake , Swan Lake, McGregor Lake, Lake Blaine, Ashley Lake and Bitterroot Lake. Of those, two have none for sale.Scarcity of lake homes on the market should keep the values strong this year.Probably a good time to step up and sell.Of the sales we have seen demand remains high and selection low.Flathead Lake saw a huge number of lake homes for sale last year.That number has dropped some this winter down to 73 waterfront homes currently on the market.For sellers now is the time to be for sale with 50% fewer waterfront homes on the market.I did not include waterfront condos,lake access homes or riverfront homes for sale in these numbers.They tend to attract a different group of buyers.For questions on waterfront property send me a note or visit the resource section of my web site www.LastBestPlace.com . Things like dock permit information is there too.Have an awesome day!