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Kat's continuing life journey

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with eXp Commercial, Referral Divison RRE-BRO-LIC-75443

Hello! I'm Kat Palmiotti, licensed real estate broker in the beautiful state of Montana. I love the time I've spend learning all about the Montana real estate marketplace and of course the time helping buyers and sellers. But over the last few years, I've also been wondering what else I might want to do with my life at this point. A nearly 30 year career in telecommunications was followed by a 14 year real estate career. Do I want to continue in that vein? Or spend my quickly vanishing time in other ways?

And while I've been thinking about options for several years, it took me until this week to make a decision and once I did the action started. My NAR dues were coming up, so it made sense to cut the cord a little early.

Referrals

I am still a licensed real estate broker but am now associated with the eXp Referral Division brokered by eXp Commercial. All that means is that I am now only going to be handling referral business. If you are a buyer or seller who wants to buy or sell land or homes in the Kalispell MT area, the Flathead County area, or really, anywhere in the United States, I will refer you to the right person for you. Not just to any old agent. I have an amazing network of agents I can refer you to, who are ready to do their all and provide you a quality end-to-end purchase or sale. So if you would trust me to help you in your transaction, I hope you would trust the person I have ready to assist you.

And for my real estate brethren, I'm still licensed to provide you with referred clients if you're in Kalispell or other areas of the country. If you have referrals you want to send to my area, I'd be happy to get them to the right agent. And I can promise you any arrangements we make would work for you!

Note to past clients

I have loved being a hands-on listing and buyer agent. And I've received so much enjoyment from doing so over the years. So if you are reading this and you were a past client of mine, thank you so much for your trust. And in most cases, thank you even more for all the fun and laughs we had during the process. And for those of you who are now lifelong friends, ❤️ you. You're all great!

So what the heck is going on?

We all know life is short and we have the ability to change our ship's trajectory any time we want. It's time for me to do that now. Why?

I want to spend more time on:

Building homes with Habitat for Humanity: I've been doing this once every other week for the last few years. I'd love to be able to give the great organization more time and help those who cannot afford to purchase a home on the market buy one anyway. These homeowners spend hundreds of hours of time building their homes and at the end, they have an affordable mortgage which is just for the actual cost of the build. Which is very low when many materials are donated, as is almost all of the labor. It's a great group to help.

Involvement with Flathead Valley Exchange Club: I'm the president of this service club until next July and expect to remain extremely involved after that. We meet weekly, arrange to have non-profits visit us, do volunteer work in the community, and conduct fundraising events for military, youth and community non-profits in the area. I want to continue and hopefully improve my efforts in this regard.

Co-owner of Rough Cut Products LLC: My husband and I own a woodworking business. I'm the CEO (Chief Everything Officer) and am supposed to be spending time on our Facebook page, website, shows and events including the weekly Farmers Market that runs from April to October, financials, etc. And in addition, I want to make my own wooden products to add to hubby's live edge tables and benches. So I'm on the schedule to start making wooden spoons, spatulas, and other smaller products as soon as my workshop is ready. I already bought my tools and already found some great wood for my first few pieces!

Gardening/Greenhouse/etc: I've had a garden the last few years and we just purchased a greenhouse that needs to be put together once the Spring comes and the land is ready. We are also considering adding chickens to the mix. That all takes time and attention.

Sports/Activities: I realized at the end of this past summer that my bicycle and our canoes never even came out of the basement, not once the entire year. That cannot be allowed to continue! We both need to be able to have some time and energy to do fun things together. It's impossible if the entire weekend is dedicated to working.

Summary

I am still going to be involved in real estate, at least from a referral point of view. I'll pay attention to market reports that others provide and will keep my pulse on the industry so I can make appropriate referrals. But I'm also going to be doing all those things I mentioned above and more I probably didn't even think of yet. If you read this far, thank you for sharing the trip with me.

Life is such a crazy journey, isn't it?

 

Featured photo is from Kat's brain and AI.

 

 

Posted by

Kalispell, Bigfork, Lakeside and Somers areas. 

Are you getting ready to sell or purchase land or a home in Kalispell  or the surrounding vicinity? Let’s talk!

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(406) 270-3667
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KAT PALMIOTTI, BROKER

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Kat and I love hearing about your journey that you have had.  Hope you are ready for Christmas.

 

Dec 14, 2023 09:32 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Will Hamm - I think I'm ready! If not, I'm sure I'll realize it eventually. :-)

Dec 14, 2023 10:19 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Kat Palmiotti  Good for you; life is short. Please go out and enjoy it!   I just lost a lifelong friend who went to sleep and never awoke. So go out there and achieve!

Dec 14, 2023 10:10 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Hannah Williams - thank you and I'm sorry about your loss. That's one of the reasons I don't want to wait - you never know.

Dec 14, 2023 10:20 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Thursday afternoon, Kat.

I hope you are having an outstanding week.

Dec 14, 2023 10:38 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you - I hope you are also Roy!

Dec 14, 2023 12:33 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I'm exhausted just reading about your life. LOL

I wish you the very best in your new chapter...sounds like you will be making the very best of every second!

Dec 14, 2023 12:05 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Sharon Tara - It's not really TOO busy (well, sort of!) :-) Thank you for your comment!

Dec 14, 2023 12:34 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Kat:

Congratulations on your decision and your life ahead. Sounds like you have some wonderful adventures ahead of you and I wish you all the best as they unfold. I assume you will be keeping us all apprised of what you and your husband are doing and enjoying as always! We look forward to hearing about your life's journey.

Jeff

Dec 14, 2023 04:03 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Kat Palmiotti 

I assumed so! YAAY!!

Dec 14, 2023 06:56 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Of course, Jeff Dowler, CRS - I'm not going anywhere!

Dec 14, 2023 05:28 PM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Kat,

You must be older than you look, having worked for that much time. Glad you are setting priorities that suit you & your family. I really like your boat. Did you make it?

Dec 14, 2023 07:30 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Dorte Engel - Thank you for the compliment! You made me smile. As for the boat, my husband made that one for me!

Dec 15, 2023 04:18 AM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Kat,

Nice husband! Who wants flowers or jewellery, when you have someone in the family, who knows how to build a boat?

Dec 15, 2023 07:28 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Haha, Dorte Engel - and he also provides flowers! :-)

Dec 15, 2023 02:25 PM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Wow - congratulations on the huge decision.  With all those other activities needing attention I can see why you're doing it.  Have fun with all those projects!  Chickens are a lot of fun too!

Dec 15, 2023 02:43 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089 - I have a friend who has chickens (and goats) and she loves them!

Dec 15, 2023 03:12 PM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

Hey Kat, hope you will still visit AR and give us some wisdom from the great white north of Montana  :)   Happy Holidays!

Dec 16, 2023 12:17 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Of course, Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty !

Dec 16, 2023 12:19 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

A new plan for the new year and the next few chapters in your active life GF. You will enjoy doing more things together with Anthony and engage further with your community.  Only so much one can put on one's plate.  Of course, you know so much about your area the referral business will be a breeze.  Happy for you😎 

Dec 17, 2023 09:19 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 !!! I just went to Habitat two weeks in a row and it felt great! Today we have a party planned for the habitat volunteers which should be a blast. :-)

Dec 17, 2023 10:02 AM
Charita Cadenhead
eXp Realty - Birmingham, AL
Serving Jefferson and Shelby Counties (Alabama)

Hi Kat. It sounds like you have a well thought out plan. For me Barbara Todaro was the first to plant the seed on how to retire from real estate. Much to my surprise, upon one of my many returns to AR, Barbara's presence was missing and Bliz filled me in. At any rate, your plan looks very much like what I would like to happen when I retire.

I used to be employed by Habitat for Humanity and they are a wonderful organization and I have been giving thought to getting involved again.

I attended retirement seminar last year and one of the topics of discussion was what are you going to do after retirement and a need for a plan so that we do not end up sitting in a chair in front of tv every day and wither away. Although I am so ready to retire, the lack of a solid plan after retirement puts me on the slow road to making the leap. I dread the thought of sitting in a chair all day every day with nothing to do.

A life of service is a wonderful way to retire, keep busy, expand social network and continue to give us purpose.

Thanks for sharing your thought-out plan with us and best wishes for a happy and wonderful retirement.

Dec 18, 2023 05:44 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you for your comment Charita Cadenhead - having a plan is indeed important. I've found I'm happiest when I feel productive/worthwhile. There has to be a goal of some sort!

And yes, sitting in front of the TV rotting is not the way to go (in my opinion)

Dec 18, 2023 06:00 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

OH MY GOODNESS, KAT!!!! I couldn't be happier for you! I know how much you love your volunteer time and I know your hubby is going to be happy to have more of his CEO (love your definition of that)! 

You truly could not have chosen a better time to turn the page to the next chapter, Kat. We have a few years of challenges ahead of us but, I am confident we'll get through it. I know you're going to be enjoying what you're going to be doing MUCH more than the rest of us! LOL

There's really no one in your great state that I would share referrals so, know that when I have one, you'll be the first to know! I'm also glad to hear that you're going to stay in the Rain with us - and motivate those of us in whom you have planted the 'new journey seed!'

Congratulations, girlfriend! ❤️

Dec 18, 2023 09:06 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you so much for your enthusiastic comment Debe Maxwell, CRS - I could feel your smile as you wrote this. :-)

Dec 18, 2023 01:16 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

We didn't get enough time to talk about your decision on the call today, Kat Palmiotti but, I am so happy for you and can't wait to follow your new journey!

Dec 19, 2023 11:12 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

Ahoy Captain Kat! Glad to know that you are happily steering your ship exactly the way you want to calmer waters and still helping people find their way home.

Dec 19, 2023 08:41 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! for understanding the need to steer my own boat!

Dec 19, 2023 09:34 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

p.s. Many people want to do what you are navigating but are unable or unwilling, for a plethora of reasons. I am thrilled for you and congrats on the feature!

Dec 19, 2023 08:43 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! !

Dec 19, 2023 09:34 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011
Inactive - Scottsdale, AZ
The Art of Storytelling

Congratulations Kat Palmiotti life is too short to miss out on the things we enjoy most.

Dec 22, 2023 06:48 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 - I agree.

Dec 22, 2023 02:35 PM
Janis Borgueta
Newburgh, NY
Retired RE Salesperson

Change is good!! Looks like you will be spending time doing something you love. Congratulations. Time is short and I totally understand where you are coming from. All the best!!

Dec 23, 2023 06:17 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you very much Janis Borgueta !

Dec 23, 2023 06:25 AM
Joyce M. Marsh
Luxury Home Couture - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes & Design

There comes a time in life when we feel that changes are needed and we might need to go down a different path. I admire you for having the strength to take a new direction. Obviously you have put a lot of thought and deliberation into it and I wish you much success and happiness on this new journey. I can feel it in your writing that you are happier and a load has been lifted!

Jan 23, 2024 09:17 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Joyce Marsh - you are so right!

Jan 23, 2024 12:58 PM
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Good for you Kat Palmiotti 

I have found that life does not like a void and that "spare" time quickly dissipates. Have a blast!

Mar 02, 2024 08:46 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Doug Dawes - I am sooo busy! :-)

Mar 03, 2024 04:34 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Kat, just found this, and good for you! I've been on the fence for the past couple of years and am thinking about going back into public interest work. Maybe something food related. But real estate is a little addictive. A few years back, I wrote a post about how I'd been to a lot of memorial services for colleagues, but never a single retirement party.  And you don't sound retired at all.

Jun 09, 2024 10:06 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Oh my gosh, Patricia Kennedy - thank you for your comment! I am sooo busy - We were invited to someone's house this week and I really just want to stay home and relax because it's been one thing after another (although we did say yes)

Jun 09, 2024 06:12 PM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Kat Palmiotti 
You have always been an inspiration to me. Yet another example.
Bye for now dear....

Jul 28, 2024 10:53 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375 !

Jul 29, 2024 04:44 AM