Tucked beneath the grandeur of Lone Mountain, Big Sky, Montana, is rapidly emerging as a premier destination for vacationers and investors alike. Known for its breathtaking alpine scenery and world-class skiing, Big Sky offers an intriguing blend of outdoor adventure and luxury accommodations. As more buyers explore opportunities to generate passive income through vacation rentals, understanding the unique dynamics of this high-altitude market becomes essential. This white paper dives into the Big Sky vacation rental landscape to uncover the key factors every investor should know.

 


The Geography of Big Sky: Lone Mountain at the Center

At the heart of Big Sky's resort ecosystem lies Lone Mountain. This towering peak anchors the entire ski and…

108 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Southwest Montana Market Update – April 2025

The spring real estate season is in full swing across Southwest Montana, and while some markets remain highly competitive, others are showing signs of normalization. From the luxury peaks of Big Sky to the classic character of Butte, here’s a look at how each area performed last month—and what it means for you.

Bozeman

Single Family Homes

  • Median Sales Price: $932,000 (↓1.0% YoY)

  • New Listings: 110 (↓16%)

  • Days on Market: 20 (↑178.6%)

  • Inventory: 228 (↑15.2%)

Condos & Townhomes

  • Median Sales Price: $462,500 (↓12.5%)

  • New Listings: 81 (↑12.5%)

  • Days on Market: 28 (↑64.7%)

  • Inventory: 146 (↓8.8%)

Insight: Inventory is…

119 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Investing in Southwest Montana Real Estate:

Southwest Montana is one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the U.S., with property values increasing significantly in recent years. The region offers an unparalleled lifestyle, featuring breathtaking natural wonders such as Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore thousands of miles of scenic hiking trails stretching across majestic mountains and rolling hills. For winter sports lovers, world-class skiing awaits at Big Sky and Bridger Bowl ski resorts. Montana’s unique combination of adventure, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities delivers a lifestyle that’s truly unmatched.

Bozeman, One of the Best Cities to Invest in Real Estate

Bozeman consistently…

651 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Unleash the Spirit of the Brawl of the Wild: A Montana Rivalry Like No Other

In the heart of Big Sky Country, the Brawl of the Wild isn't merely a football game; it's a Montana tradition that stirs the flames of competition. Dating back over a century, this historic clash between Montana State University (MSU) Bobcats and the University of Montana (UM) Grizzlies is a celebration of Montana's rich college life. From its stunning landscapes to robust academic offerings, Montana beckons students to explore its treasures. 

The Brawl of the Wild transcends the realm of football; it encapsulates the unyielding pride of Montana. Its origins date back to 1897, and it has since evolved into one of the most eagerly anticipated annual events in the state. The…

597 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Siandhara Bonnet
Jun 30, 2022 Updated Aug 5, 2022

One of Rapid City’s oldest families is selling its almost 4,300 acres for future growth as the region continues to expand.

Bob Borgmeyer said the Selador Ranch, which is listed at $44,995,000 as of Wednesday morning, is largely untouched.

“Our ranches are two blank spaces which should be owned by someone who can better integrate them with the imminent updated comprehensive planning and public works efforts including Ellsworth and its projected 13.5 mile water pipeline,” he said in an email to the Journal.

Borgmeyer, president of Selador Ranches, said his family chose to run the land as cattle ranches since 1956, so they remain pristine. He said his mother Myrtle Irene Huwe…

1177 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Revised Loan Limits for 2022
Provided by Gina Marshall, Wealth Management Mortgage Loan Officer with US Bank- Bozeman

Conforming loan limit for the following has increased to:

Single-family homes is $647,200 
2 unit is $828,700
3-unit $1,001,650
4 unit $1,244,850

The new FHA limit in Gallatin County is $603,750 (single family)

VA follows conforming at $647,200 however If the borrower has sufficient entitlement there is no longer a loan limit for VA,  changed in 2020.

**Second Home Loans ** 
News Release

FHFA Announces Targeted Increases to Enterprise Pricing Framework

Upfront Fee Adjustments for High Balance Loans and Second Home Loans to Take Effect April 1, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1/5/2022

​​Washington, D.C. – Today, the Federal…

1169 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Since the premiere of the show "Yellowstone" in June of 2018, the western Montana region setting the backdrop to the show has grown in popularity. With Kevin Costner cast as the lead, John Dutton, the modern-day western has captivated the American viewing audience. With a storyline full of drama, family loyalty, and power grabs, each episode leaves the viewers anxiously waiting for the next episode. 

 

While there is no data on the impact the show has had on the popularity of the region. Real estate numbers and national park attendance seem to indicate the greater Yellowstone area has become quite popular. The Wall Street Journal recently named Billings as the No. 1 emerging housing market in the United States. The Gallatin Association of Realtors…

1241 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

(Bozeman, Montana…..September 22, 2021) Bozeman Fiber announced today that it has applied for a $65 million Industrial Development Revenue Bond through Gallatin County to build a world-class fiber internet network to 22,000 homes in the Gallatin Valley. The organization, officially organized as a 501 (c)(4) nonprofit, has partnered with the county to serve as conduit for the transaction which will make gigabit fiber service available to every household and business in the greater Bozeman area. The funds are completely investor-based and at no risk or cost to the county or taxpayers.

“Bozeman Fiber is extremely excited to take this step forward in our fiber-to-the-home project,” said Greg Metzger, CEO of Bozeman Fiber. “The $65 million raised will…

1057 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. They are key in helping farms and ranches to fund their efforts while the work is being done and support locally sustainable agriculture. There are many different types of CSAs > fruits, flowers, veggies, meat, eggs and more...We have a lot of options for local CSAs in Montana. The best way to find them is to google them or visit the farmer's markets. We have a winter bi-weekly market at the fairgrounds in Bozeman and 2 weekly farmer's markets in the summer months on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

5 Benefits of a CSA:

1. You’re supporting your local community – it’s no secret that many of our local agricultural producers are being pushed out by larger-scale, commercial farmers. The best way to show your…

2310 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

The US is 3.8 Million Homes Short!

Well, what does this mean, why and what can we do about it? It's no secret that the real estate market is the topic of conversation across the country with homes selling within hours and for sometimes $100,000 over list price, even for a dated, small townhouse in Bozeman, Montana! This isn't the case with every property, but it takes luck or an experienced agent to get your offer accepted as well as some give and more give on the buyer's side. This is what we call a "seller's market"!

The U.S. housing market needs nearly 4 million single-family homes to meet the nation’s demand, according to a new analysis from Freddie Mac. The 3.8 million shortfall marks a 52% increase in the housing shortage since 2018 according…

863 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post