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Photo by Hunter Homes, 2021 Photo Contest Winner
MAR’S ANNUAL PUBLICATION | 2020/2021
MontanaRealtors.org
One S. Montana Ave. | Suite M-1 | Helena, MT 59601
406.443.4032 | 800.477.1864 sm
MONTANAREALTORS.ORG | 1
info@MontanaRealtors.org
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LOCAL BOARD INFORMATION
2021 Local Board Presidents
and Executive Officers
BILLINGS ASSOCIATION OF GREAT FALLS ASSOCIATION OF
REALTORS® (BAR) REALTORS® (GFAR)
ge.
President - Frosty Erben President - Charlie Weber
(406) 855-8900 (406) 788-3362
Frosty@Realtor.com CharlieWeberC21@gmail.com PARK COUNTY BOARD OF
REALTORS®
Executive Officer - Mary Grant Chief Executive Officer - Terry
2021 Overland Ave. Thompson President - Michael Wojdylak
Billings, MT 59102 401 13th Avenue South (406) 222-0304
(406) 248-7145 Great Falls, MT 59405 Woj_LivingstonMT_Broker@outlook.com
MaryG@Billings.org (406) 453-2752 Membership-Michelle Becker
Terry@GTFAR.com 515 West Park
HAVRE HI-LINE CHAPTER OF BAR Livingston, MT 59047
HELENA ASSOCIATION OF (406) 220-0304
John Carlson
REALTORS® (HAR) Michelle@MaverickBrokers.com
(406) 390-1381
John@JohnSellsMT.com President - Jenni Swartz
(406) 439-5304 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATION
Jenni.Swartz@REMax.net OF REALTORS® (RMAR)
LEWISTOWN CHAPTER OF BAR
Executive Officer - George Harris President - Ronda Tompers
Morgan Luther (406) 799-5312
(406) 629-0095 2707 Colonial Dr.
Helena, MT 59601 RondaTompers@hotmail.com
Morgan@BigSpringRealty.com
(406) 449-3835 RMAR Office - Judy Kivela
GHarris@HelenaHAR.com 501 East Front St. Ste. 511
BITTERROOT VALLEY BOARD OF Butte, MT 59701
REALTORS® (BVBOR)
MISSOULA ORGANIZATION OF (406) 723-3356
President - Sherry Shipley REALTORS® (MOR) Staff@RMTAR.org
(406) 375-9251 Judy@montana.com
AllAccessMTRE@gmail.com President - Shannon Hilliard
(406) 239-8350
Executive Director - Brittany Cuzick DHilliardTeam@gmail.com BOARD OF REALTY REGULATION
224 N. 4th St. (BRR)
Hamilton, MT 59840 Chief Executive Officer - Jim 301 S. Park Avenue
(406) 363-2000 Bachand PO Box 200513
Brittany@BVBOR.net 724 Burlington Ave. Helena, MT 50620
Missoula, MT 59801
General BRR Questions
(406) 728-0560
GALLATIN ASSOCIATION OF (406) 841-2300
JBachand@MissoulaRealEstate.com
REALTORS® (GAR) DLIBSDRRE@mt.gov
President - Lacy Browne RealEstateMT.gov
NORTHWEST MT ASSOCIATION OF
(406) 600-6041 REALTORS® (NMAR)
Lacy@LegacyBrokersIntl.com LEGAL HOTLINE
President - Jeanie Deetz
Chief Executive Officer - Rob Wigton (406) 270-1942 AVAILABLE TO DESIGNATED
2880 Technology Blvd. West Ste. 159 Jeanie.Deetz@EVUSA.com REALTORS® ONLY
Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 543-6646
Executive Officer - Jeri Moon
(406) 585-0033 Hotline@MontanaRealtors.org
110 Cooperative Way
Rob@GallatinRealtors.com
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 752-4313
JMoon@NMAR.com
MONTANAREALTORS.ORG | 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MAR LEADERSHIP
CANDIS DORSCH M O N T A N A’ S
R E A L T O R® D I G E S T
2021 President
Candis@LiveInMontana.com
BILL LEININGER
President Elect
Bill@MTRealEstate.com Local Board Presidents and Executive Officers..................................... 3
MARK DOBRENSKI
First Vice President 2020 MAR Annual Report............................................................................. 6
MDobrenski@msn.com
DIANE BECK 2021 President’s Message............................................................................ 7
Immediate Past President
DianeBeck@Windermere.com Message from MAR CEO............................................................................... 8
KAAREN WINKLER
CEO MAR Form Changes........................................................................................ 9
Kaaren@MontanaRealtors.org
SHANNA SEMMENS Legal Update & FAQ......................................................................................10
Business Manager
Shanna@MontanaRealtors.org Legislative Outlook.......................................................................................12
SAM SILL
Government Affairs Director
Sam@MontanaRealtors.org
Meet Your MAR Staff.....................................................................................14
JULIE EMGE MAR Photo Contest......................................................................................16
Education Coordinator
Julie@MontanaRealtors.org
Young Professionals Network Updates.................................................20
SAMANTHA SMITH
Strategic Programs Coordinator
SSmith@MontanaRealtors.org Montana Market Snapshots......................................................................23
NICOLE RIEBE
Communications Director 2021 NAR Committee Appointments....................................................29
Nicole@MontanaRealtors.org
Alternative Homeownership Opportunities.......................................30
HELPFUL NUMBERS
REALTOR® of the Year and Nominees.....................................................33
Montana Association of REALTORS®
406-443-4032
800-477-1864 MAR Committees...........................................................................................34
Board of Realty Regulation (BRR)
406-841-2300 REALTOR® Political Action Committee...................................................36
National Association of REALTORS®
800-874-6500 Montana Advocacy Local Board Awards..............................................37
Transaction Desk
800-668-8768
zipForms COVER: Old Belton Bridge in West Glacier. Photo by Hunter Homes.
800-383-9805 See photo contest article on page 16.
MAR Legal Hotline
ONLY Designated REALTORS®
406-543-6646 Montana’s REALTOR® Digest Byline articles and columns express the opinions
is designed and printed by: of the writers and do not necessarily reflect MAR
LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS policies or sentiments.
Billings: 406-248-7145
Bitterroot: 406-363-2000
Gallatin: 406-585-0033
Great Falls: 406-453-2752
Helena: 406-449-3835
Missoula: 406-728-0560 ©2021 Montana Association of REALTORS®.
40 W Lawrence Street
Northwest: 406-752-4313 Helena, MT 59601 The contents of this publication may not be
Park County: 406-222-0304 406.449.2847 reproduced without the prior written consent of
Rocky Mountain: 406-723-3356 AllegraHelena.com the Montana Association of REALTORS®. Please
AllegraPromotions.com recycle where facilities exist.
MONTANAREALTORS.ORG | 5
MAR ANNUAL REPORT
We Made It!
2020 Annual Report from Diane Beck
The year 2020 working through how to do things our year end celebration, installation
began quite very differently since we had been hit and all come back together but that
normally, by a pandemic. didn’t work out either.
with very
productive The excitement leading up to GRI With all of that said, we accomplished
January that was schedule for Butte in March many of our goals for the year and
Business quickly changed from possibly, to really look forward to 2021 and a fresh
Meetings in maybe, to finally having to cancel GRI, start with a vaccine and new CEO.
Helena. Your then Spring Business meetings. The
MAR staff found new ways to work This year has been unprecedented
2020 MAR in so many ways but a huge thanks
Leadership from home and they managed to get
all of the work of MAR done in a timely, goes out to the MAR staff, Peggy
and Board Trenk (interim CEO) and our entire
of Directors met and conducted the very different manner.
Leadership Team and Board of
business of your association as we MAR was able to get every single thing Directors!!
are charged to do. Little did we know, we needed to do done by Zoom, email
less than 2 months later we would be and phone calls. We had very high MAR is in great hands with your 2021
in full “lock down” as a country and expectations that by fall we could hold Team!! ■
DELIVERING MORTGAGE-READY
HOMEBUYERS TO MONTANA REALTORS
NeighborWorks Montana and it’s network of partners
across the state deliver homebuyer education and coun-
seling classes, creating successful, mortgage-ready
homebuyers. Through our down payment assistance
loans potential buyers can achieve their homeownership
dreams faster and with more buying power.
Give us a call today to find out how we can help set your
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6 | MONTANA’S REALTOR® DIGEST 2020/2021
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
2021 and Beyond . . .
“Onward and Upward”
What a year 2020 was! It was a year of opposites where hugs can be lethal, being
positive is negative” and being “negative is positive”!
It was a year with words we hope to sometime extinguish from our vocabulary:
Quarantine . . . Facemasks . . . Social Distancing . . . Virtual . . . Zoom . . . and “You’re
Muted”!
This past year challenged each and every one of us personally, professionally and
spiritually. However, as we look at 2020 in the rear-view mirror, we also recognize
2020 absolutely reinforced the meaning of “pressure builds pipes but also makes
Diamonds”. I am inspired and motivated by the future of “mining for diamonds” as
we all welcome and embrace 2021 and beyond.
In concert with NAR President Charlie Oppler’s theme “One Together”, I look forward
to a year filled with the discovery of many Diamonds for each and every member
Candis Dorsch of our 5200+ strong Montana Association of REALTORS®. As we move forward
2021 MAR President and greet 2021 with open arms, we are certainly stronger together due to the
incredible dedication and work ethic of our MAR staff – Shanna Semmens, Sam Sill,
In her 40+ years of selling real Nicole Riebe, Samantha Smith and Julie Emge, plus our new CEO, Kaaren Winkler.
estate in and around Bozeman, Working tirelessly during a pandemic and without a CEO for five months, please
the one constant for Candis has know MAR is truly a better and more healthy organization as a result of their endless
energy, commitment and cohesive teamwork. I wholeheartedly encourage all MAR
been involvement.
members to reach out and personally thank each and every one of them!
Involved at the local, state and Moving forward with energy and excitement, on behalf of your 2021 Leadership
national level, Candis has a Team, I have chosen the theme of “Onward and Upward” – an expression defined
wealth of knowledge from all the as “words, actions and attitudes to encourage someone to forget an unpleasant
committees and boards she has experience or failure and to instead, think about the future.”
been apart of. Without a doubt, we all can identify that one big unpleasant experience 2020
Being involved also means placed at our doorstep. Fortunately, each of us have also been blessed with many
rays of positive lights as we move forward into 2021, rays which offer us the op-
being active in your community.
portunity to strengthen some of the foundational pillars of moving “Onward and
Candis has been involved with Upward”. Personally, I will take this opportunity to share four of my core pillars:
Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Montana
Optimism – the ability to overcome adversity by practicing a tendency to look
Historical Society, Museum of
on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most
the Rockies and the Gallatin favorable outcome.
Valley YMCA.
Empathy – to experience the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another in order
Being involved gives you a sense to enhance the ability to understand situations from another’s perspective.
of purpose, exposes you to new Curiosity - to be genuinely curious about the why – to let go of judgment and
ideas and ways of doing things and encourage honest and open dialogue.
teaches you new skills. Synergism - the successful and effective interaction resulting from working
2021 is about Onward and Upward. together for the greater good of the whole.
My foundational pillars for this year These foundational pillars are just a few of my personal and professional focus
are Optimism, Empathy, Curiosity words and building blocks I promise to keep front and center in heart and mind
and Synergism. as we continue to work together to keep MAR strong! I challenge each of you to
strengthen your own foundation by embracing these or by building your inner core
Thank you for the privilege of with your personal pillars.
serving the Montana Association of
As Members and Leaders of the Montana Association of REALTORS® and of our
REALTORS® for 2021! families, our futures in 2021 and beyond, have nowhere to go but “Onward and
Upward”! ■
MONTANAREALTORS.ORG | 7
CEO MESSAGE
Meet MAR CEO Kaaren Winkler
I am excited to be part of the team at the Montana One of the many things that I have learned over the years
Association of REALTORS®. When I started with the is that REALTORS® are committed to the communities they
Washington Association of REALTORS® in 2004, I had no idea serve, give freely of their time, and are tireless advocates
that a job would become a career and that this career would for protecting the American dream of homeownership. As
lead me and my family to the beautiful state of Montana. other entities enter the real estate industry (Zillow, Amazon,
etc.), we need to keep the focus on the individual REALTOR®
When I started with the REALTOR® Association I was the
and the personal relationship they provide in the real estate
Professional Standards Administrator for the Washington
transaction. Who better to help guide a client through the
Association of REALTORS®, a position that introduced me to
selling/buying process than a REALTOR®.
the Code of Ethics. The first two lines of the Preamble of the
Code of Ethics never fail to inspire me, “Under all is the land. As I was in the interview process for the CEO position at
Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership MAR, I spoke to many people from NAR’s Region 12, and
depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of without hesitation, each person told me that MAR has a
our civilization.” It is a privilege to work for an organization great group of members. It is an honor to be the CEO at MAR
that provides a living, working document based on and I look forward to working with you and to a time when
professionalism and protection of the public. we can meet in person. ■
Kaaren has served multiple terms on
the National Association of REALTORS®
Professional Standards Committee,
currently serves as a member of the
REALTOR® Association Executives Editorial
Advisory Board and is also a licensed real
estate instructor.
Holding several professional and REALTOR®
certifications, Kaaren has a certificate in
Strategies in Nonprofit Management and
earned her REALTOR® Certified Executive
designation from the National Association
of REALTORS®.
Kaaren has also obtained NAR’s Commitment
to Excellence endorsement and has
completed the e-PRO® certification program.
8 | MONTANA’S REALTOR® DIGEST 2020/2021
MAR FORM CHANGES
MAR FORM CHANGES UPDATE
In the fall of 2020, MAR released updated forms for use by • Language was added in the area of the water rights
all MAR members. This article highlights some of the more update and mineral rights disclosure (lines 269-275 of
significant form changes. A full summary of all form changes the MAR Buy-Sell Agreement (Residential) that informs
made in 2020 can be found on the MAR website. You will buyers of the potential need to obtain permits before
have to login to view this information. doing any work in or around any stream, river, wetland,
floodplain or other water body. The intent is to advise
Buy-Sell Agreements buyers or property located near water of the potential
need to get approval before doing any work.
The section governing the payment of earnest money
by a buyer was slightly revised and separated from the Residential Sight Unseen Acknowledgment
section governing the deposit or delivery of any earnest This is a new form that was added for use by buyer
money received by a Broker/Salesperson. MAR hopes that agents who are representing buyers who are considering
separating these sections together with the revisions made submitting an offer on property in Montana without having
will clarify confusion that has continued to exist concerning physically visited the property. It is a document whereby a
the difference between when a buyer must pay earnest buyer acknowledges potential risks inherent in making an
money and when an agent must deposit that earnest offer on property sight unseen.
money into the agent’s trust account or deliver said funds to
the closing agent. There was some confusion when the new Termination Agreement of Buy-Sell
buy-sell agreements were released that is hopefully clarified
with the following (using line numbering from the MAR Buy-
Agreement (Mutual Agreement)
Sell Agreement (Residential). This new form was released in late March of this year
intending to address situations caused by the COVID-19
• Lines 71-73 are used if the buyer has already paid the
pandemic. While not limited to COVID-19 based events,
earnest money and the buyer agent has earnest money
generally this form is to be used when contingencies have
in her/his possession. Therefore, the boxes on line 71 and
expired but all parties mutually agree to terminate the
72 should be checked, and a signature placed on line 73
transaction. As a reminder, if a buyer desires to terminate a
by the buyer agent, only if when the offer is presented to
transaction due to an unexpired inspection contingency or
the seller or seller agent the buyer agent has the earnest
any other unexpired contingency, the form to use remains
money in his or her possession.
the same – respectively, the “Inspection Notice (Results/
• Information is to be inserted in lines 76-78 if the buyer Remedies)” form or the “Termination of Buy-Sell Agreement,
will be paying the earnest money after the agreement Notice of Non-Release of Contingencies (Buyer)” form.
is executed. If, for example, a buyer has agreed to pay
earnest money within five days after the agreement has Statement of Non-Foreign Status
been executed by all parties, “5” would be inserted into
This is a new form to be used in transactions where
line 76 and the party who will ultimately be holding the
withholding mat be required under the Foreign Investors
earnest money in escrow would be inserted into line 78.
Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA). The statement is for use by a
• Lines 303-307 – specifically the number to be inserted seller whereby the seller is able to affirm that the seller is not
into line 305 – governs the number of days that the a foreign person, foreign corporation, foreign partnership,
agent who receives the earnest money from the buyer foreign trust, or foreign estate and, therefore, not subject to
has to deposit that money into the agent’s trust n FIRPTA withholding by a buyer.
account or deliver it to the person or entity who will do
so (e.g. the escrow agent). Relationships/Consents in Real Estate
• In the Buyer’s Acknowledgment section, which is just Transactions
above where the buyer signs, check boxes were added Under the Seller Agent and Buyer Agent checkboxes on
whereby the buyer represents to the seller whether the page three, new boxes were added that more clearly
buyer has or has not physically visited the property prior provide for the ability of a buyer or seller to consent to dual
to submitting the offer to purchase. This was added agency that may not currently exist but that may occur
due to the increase in buyers who are submitting offers in the future. The check boxes were also reformatted and
“sight unseen” and permits sellers to know whether a the language consenting to multiple representation and
buyer has visited the seller’s property when evaluating a refusing to consent to multiple representation was slightly
buyer’s offer. modified for clarity. ■
MONTANAREALTORS.ORG | 9
LEGAL MATTERS
Legal Update & FAQ
JAMES A. BOWDITCH, Boone Karlberg P.C,. Missoula, Montana
Federal Eviction Moratorium animals – specifically that the DOT will no longer consider
emotional support animals to be service animals, which
As of January 21st, the federal moratorium on evictions
are required by law to be allowed to fly with passengers on
has been extended through March 31st, 2021. On January
commercial airlines. The to-be revised rules define a service
20th, 2021, President Biden extended the law that President
animal as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or
Trump signed into law in late 2020, the Consolidated
perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.”
Appropriations Act, thereby extending the Order issued
by the CDC that temporarily halts residential evictions While these changes are currently limited to air travel, stay
of covered persons for nonpayment of rent. Because of tuned to see if similar changes are made in other areas.
this extension, it remains illegal for a landlord, owner of a In the meantime, MAR has a white paper on their website
residential property, or other person (such as a property that has information concerning emotional support and
manager) with a legal right to pursue eviction or possessory service animals.
action to evict any “covered person” from any residential
property through March 31, 2021. The details for this Order Love Letters
are outlined in a white paper what was published to the
MAR website in October 2020. The current seller’s market is forcing buyers to be
competitive in areas other than simply price. A practice
becoming more common are personal letters from
Emotional Support Animals
interested buyers often referred to as “love letters.” While
Emotional Support Animals have received a fair amount of there is nothing per se illegal about use of love letters,
press coverage recently due to an announcement by the US including certain personal characteristics concerning the
Department of Transportation that it will be revising the Air buyer(s) can unintentionally create potential concerns
Carrier Access Act concerning flying with emotional support relating to housing discrimination by sellers. This is
10 | MONTANA’S REALTOR® DIGEST 2020/2021especially so if the love letters include photos of the buyer(s) buyer agents who are frustrated because the seller has
and/or activities of the buyers that reveal race, family status not responded to an Inspection Notice (“Notice”) and the
and other characteristics that sellers should not consider Resolution Date is either approaching or has past.
when evaluating purchase offers.
When a buyer sends a Notice to a seller, a seller has four
Recently, Montana Fair Housing released a memo that choices – accept the proposal in the Notice, make a new
briefly addressed potential concerns about the use of love proposal, reject the proposal, or do not respond at all.
letters. While the memo does not prohibit the use of buyer The majority of confusion comes from when a seller does
love letters, since they are not illegal, it does mention them not respond.
as a potential area of concern. Last fall NAR published an
article on this use of love letters that is a necessary read While one can argue that a seller should provide some
for any MAR member with clients who receive or are response out of professionalism, a seller is not required to
considering sending a love letter. do so. If the seller does not and the buyer and seller do not
reach an agreement on alternative terms or the buyer does
not withdraw the Notice, the deal terminates at 5:00 PM on
Inspection Contingency
the Resolution Date per lines 171-174. In situations where a
It is not uncommon for the Legal Hotline to receive buyer has not received a response to a Notice, it is important
questions on the rights of the parties between the Notice for buyer agents to be communicating with the buyer
Date and the Resolution Date and the procedures as set clients as the Resolution Date nears to see whether the
forth at lines 162-174 of the MAR Residential Buy-Sell buyer wants to withdraw the Notice or allow the transaction
Agreement. Most frequently, the questions come from to terminate. ■
James A. Bowditch
President 201 West Main | Suite 300
(406) 543-6646 Missoula, Montana
jbowditch@boonekarlberg.com www.boonekarlberg.com
MONTANAREALTORS.ORG | 11A
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LEGISLATIVE OUTLOOK
MAR W
Legislative
to B i
Outlook
The 67th Montana Legislative Session began in Helena
on January 4, 2021. Despite the challenges presented by
COVID-19 in 2020, MAR diligently prepared for 2021.
Over the last year, we met with legislators from around the
state, engaged our coalition partners, participated in the
interim legislative process, and worked with our members to
define our state legislative policy priorities.
The way the session is conducted will likely change as tax relief, as well as to improve the appraisals and the
circumstances related to COVID-19 change. The bottom appeals processes. Unfortunately, we will see attempts to
line is this upcoming legislative session will be like none squeeze even more money from property taxpayers or to
other before it. MAR’s Government Affairs Committee and unfairly shift the tax burden from one group of taxpayers
lobbying team are prepared to adapt quickly to changing to another. MAR will work to ensure that property
circumstances. taxpayers are treated fairly and that our tax system
Here are some issues MAR is likely to engage with in 2021: does not disincentivize homeownership or transferring
real property.
1) Land Use: Burdensome regulation continues to
contribute to a shortage of for-sale homes in Montana. 4) Water Rights: MAR will continue to support bills that
MAR plans to introduce two bills related to subdivision. streamline and improve water right permitting and
The first creates an expedited subdivision review process change processes and to oppose legislation that further
for lands that have adequate zoning and infrastructure. restricts individual water wells. It is critical that our water
The bill will remove redundant review criteria, set use laws meet the needs of Montana homeowners
shorter timelines, and eliminate unnecessary procedural and businesses.
hurdles. The second bill clarifies that subdivision review
for impacts to agriculture is limited to the impacts to
adjacent agricultural operations and not on a loss of
5) Meth Contamination: State law does not require an
owner to disclose when they know meth was smoked
within inhabitable property, nor are there cleanup
A
“agricultural soils.” Voluntary conservation easements are standards or any statutory protections for liability. This
a much fairer and landowner-friendly way of preserving leaves the public at risk of being unknowingly exposed
farmland than misusing subdivision review. There will to meth, makes it difficult for REALTORS® to advise
likely be opportunities to support bills that improve DEQ sellers, and leaves owners and their agents exposed to
review of subdivisions as well. costly liability. MAR is planning to introduce legislation
2) Septic Systems: Although regulations on septic systems that brings greater predictability and protections for
are necessary to protect water quality, poorly thought- occupants, property owners, and real estate licensees.
out regulations create unnecessary costs for home and These are but a few of the issues MAR will engage with
business owners and cause real estate transactions to in 2021. We will provide more updates to you as the
fall apart. MAR is working on legislation to require local session unfolds.
health board regulations on wastewater treatment to
be approved by local elected officials, such as county As always, we thank you, our members, for allowing us to
commissioners. We believe this will allow REALTORS® and represent you in our State Capitol. Your support is what
property owners to be more effective in fighting onerous allows us to be effective advocates for the real estate industry
new local regulations on septic systems, including and private property owners. We hope that you will continue
regulations enforced at the point of sale. to lend your voice to our state legislative advocacy. ■
3) Property Taxes: The ever-growing property tax burden Follow MAR at the Legislature at
continues to be a hot topic among state legislators.
Legislation is being introduced to provide property MontanaRealtors.org
12 | MONTANA’S REALTOR® DIGEST 2020/2021Association of REALTORS®
Join us for the Montana
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We Sky
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t
Join us for the Montana
Association of REALTORS®
2021 Fall Convention
September 22-24, 2021
Big Sky Resort
MontanaRealtors.org gro.srotMEET YOUR MAR STAFF
Kaaren Winkler Julie Emge
Chief Executive Officer Education Coordinator
Kaaren@MontanaRealtors.org Julie@MontanaRealtors.org
406-441-4860 Direct 406-441-4863 Direct
Kaaren was named CEO in late 2020. Julie joined MAR in December 2019.
Prior to joining MAR, Kaaren spent She brings over 20 years of experience
the past four years as the CEO at to the position, with a professional
Tacoma-Pierce County Association and educational background from
of REALTORS®. Before leading TPCAR, she spent 12 years San Diego where she gained extensive experience in
with Washington Associations of REALTORS®, first as the planning international tradeshows and meetings worldwide
Professional Standards Administrator, then was promoted to with Qualcomm, Inc.
Director of Member Policy.
Her broad range of skills includes a strong background in
Kaaren currently serves as a member of the REALTOR® AE meeting and event planning, community engagement
Editorial Advisory Board and the AEC Recommendations efforts, corporate communications, hospitality and project
and Recognition Advisory Board. She also has her REALTOR® management, Board Member collaboration, diplomatic
Certified Executive designation, her C2EX Endorsement and relations and the art of wearing many hats.
is e-PRO® certified.
She also brings over three years’ experience in Marketing
Kaaren works closely with Association Management and the and Communications having worked most recently as
Executive Committee. She and her family look forward to all an Independent Contractor with AARP Montana as their
that Montana has to offer! Community Events Director and Meeting Coordinator.
Shanna Semmens Everything in Julie’s career has been driven by her keen
Business Manager sense of curiosity, serving a purpose and making a positive
Shanna@MontanaRealtors.org difference in the lives of others. As a Helena native, she is
406-441-4861 Direct happy to be back home, reconnecting with her roots and
serving her community.
Shanna joined MAR in 2016. She
has an extensive background in Contact Julie if you have questions about GRI or the
accounting, management and Professional Development Committee.
customer service.
Shanna’s prior work experience includes: Operations
Manager at Rural Employment Opportunities, Assistant the
to the Academic Vice President at Rocky Mountain College
and Conference and Events Director at Carroll College.
Shanna was born and raised in Helena, MT and in her spare
time, enjoys spending time with her family, horseback
riding, being involved in community service and values
physical and spiritual health.
Contact Shanna if you have questions about: MAR
Membership, Transaction Desk or ZipForm Membership,
Dues, Accounts Receivable/Payable, eCommerce/NRDS
or RPAC.
14 | MONTANA’S REALTOR® DIGEST 2020/2021MEET YOUR MAR STAFF
Sam Sill Before joining MAR, she was a Customer Advocate at Blue
Government Affairs Director Cross Blue Shield.
Sam@MontanaRealtors.org
406-441-4870 Direct Samantha is excited to meet and be of service to all
MAR members.
Sam joined MAR in 2018.
He holds a Master of Public Contact Samantha if you have questions about: Business
Administration in Political Science/ Meetings, NAR conventions/travel arrangements, Special
Public Administration. Projects, YPN Committee, or Elections.
Prior to joining MAR, he was the Public Affairs Director at Nicole Riebe
Missoula Organization of REALTORS® and was the Director Communications Director
of Government Affairs for the Missoula Area Chamber Nicole@MontanaRealtors.org
of Commerce. 406-441-4862 Direct
Contact Sam if you have questions about: Government Nicole joined MAR in 2018. She
Affairs Committee, RPAC, or IMF. holds a Bachelor’s degree in Film and
Television Production from Montana
Samantha Smith State University.
Strategic Programs Coordinator
SSmith@MontanaRealtors.org Nicole spent 13 years at KTVH-TV in Helena “doing a little
406-441-4864 Direct bit of everything” while working as a Commercial Producer,
Creative Services Manager and Promotions Director before
Samantha joined MAR in November joining MAR.
2019. She brings with her an
abundance of experience in event Nicole grew up in Helena and has a strong connection to the
planning, scheduling and database community. She serves on several community boards and
management from the legal and hospitality industries. service organizations and coaches high school tennis.
Contact Nicole if you have questions about: Forms, Website
and Member Login, Social Media, reMARks newsletter, or
Communications Committee.
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MONTANAREALTORS.ORG | 15MAR PHOTO CONTEST
MAR Photo Contest Winner - Hunter Homes
Having worked the original entrance to Glacier Hunter put these skills and training
for years as National Park. to work when he attended the
an adventure University of Utah Medical School
whitewater river Hunter was raised in Westchester Physician Assistant program.
guide, Hunter County, New York along the Hudson
loves to be on River. He moved to Colorado to From there he worked in the fields
the water. attend Colorado State University of Orthopedics and Neurosurgery
and once he experienced the before moving to Whitefish in 1976
This past rivers in Montana, Idaho, Canada, and has been a REALTOR® in the
September, and the Grand Canyon, Hunter Flathead Valley since 2006.
Hunter was on knew he had found a home in this
the Middle Fork pristine wilderness. Hunter has spent the past 10 years
of the Flathead River when he took volunteering on the Whitefish Bike &
this image of Old Belton Bridge in In the winters he was involved in Pedestrian Trial Advisory Committee,
West Glacier, Montana. avalanche control work and rescues, as well as helping with the Whitefish
and honed his mountain medical Farmers Market and the Whitefish
Built in 1920, this bridge was skills at Alta, Utah. Community Theatre. ■
16 | MONTANA’S REALTOR® DIGEST 2020/2021MAR PHOTO CONTEST
SECOND PLACE – Rhiannon Coburn, Missoula
THIRD PLACE – Jack Thomas, Helena
MONTANAREALTORS.ORG | 17MAR PHOTO CONTEST
Jack Thomas, Helena Ellie Martin, Hamilton
Micahel Morgner, Bozeman Dana Ventling Lich, Billings
Caroline Stubbs, Great Falls Brenda Miller, Kalispell
18 | MONTANA’S REALTOR® DIGEST 2020/2021MAR PHOTO CONTEST
Ellie Martin, Hamilton
Ed Thomes, Bozeman Jack Thomas, Helena
Photo Cover Contest
Thank you to everyone who entered
photos for the 2021 cover contest!
38 MAR members entered 102 photos
showcasing wildlife, gorgeous
landscapes, ranchlands, rainbows,
wildflowers and everything that makes
Montana, Montana!
We’re highlighting the finalists on these
and the previous two pages.
Ron Boyd, Billings
MONTANAREALTORS.ORG | 19YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK Young Professionals Network YPN is a dynamic entry point for real estate professionals striving to become more successful in their careers and gain leadership experience. While the name says “young”, this group is for anyone new to the profession. YPN gives real estate professionals the tools to become successful at their local, state and national associations, take an active role in industry issues, network with peers and become active in their community. Here’s a look at some of the great things YPN groups did in 2020. Billings Association of REALTORS® YPN The Social committee and YPN merged into one committee in 2020. Due to the restrains of the Covid 19 virus, many activities were canceled this year. We are hoping that things get back to normal so we can renew our social events that were canceled in 2020. Bitterroot Valley Board of REALTORS® YPN When the Corona virus struck, the BVBOR YPN Committee pivoted their plans in the interest of the health and safety of our members. Prior to the pandemic, YPN offered a “Brewery Passport” in which anyone who purchased a passport would get a discount at local breweries in exchange for a non-perishable food item, and would then collect a stamp in their “passport”. It was a fun and unique take on a food drive in a time where the community needed it! Once the pandemic hit, the Committee held several virtual events, including a virtual happy hour, and a virtual roundtable discussion on conducting real estate business during the pandemic. Both events had great turnout! Gallatin Association of REALTORS® YPN GAR’s Millenials versus Legends event in November The Gallatin Association of REALTORS® YPN held several smaller events during the year and a very successful “Millenials versus Legends” information panel at the Rialto Theater in November. The event featured great business and career ideas from a panel of three young and three very experienced agents. YPN also did a shopping spree for Angel Tree families around the Holidays. 20 | MONTANA’S REALTOR® DIGEST 2020/2021
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK
Great Falls Association of REALTORS® YPN
The Great Falls Association of REALTORS® YPN Committee
primarily focused on education in 2020 due to the pandemic
restricting events for this very “social” group. However, they
held a really fun virtual happy hour when the stay-at-home
order was in place. That was when Zoom was still fun!
Our YPN committee is 20 strong (often more depending
on the event/activity) and leads the weekly Membership
Meeting the third Thursday of every month. They are the
most well attended meetings because of the guest speakers
and/or topics discussed in combination with playing an
interactive game. Family Feud was played during one of the GFAR members paint crosswalks in partnership with the
Build a Better Community group.
all-virtual sessions.
YPN created a Lunch & Learn series of one hour continuing education courses that included a lender panel, a top producer
panel, courses by lenders and title companies. They recruited a REALTOR® to teach a two-hour forms class that was so well
attended, there are now plans to create a complete line up of forms courses in 2021.
They conducted their 2nd Annual Flip That Flea Market Contest that raised $1,250 for the Great Falls REALTORS® Flag Project.
They also organized a drive-by food drive for the Great Falls Community Food Bank that was very much in need during the
onset of the pandemic restrictions.
YPN really stepped it up to help with GFAR’s Stand Up for Students Eats & Essentials event held in July. Because of COVID
the indoor pig roast event scheduled for August was canceled and replaced with a food truck event. After review and
approval by the County Health Department, the event took place in a large parking lot with food trucks parked around the
outer perimeter.
YPN volunteers manned every truck with clip boards to track every person who attended the event. The food truck vendors
donated a portion of their sales and members of the public made cash donations to Stand Up for Students. A Realtor’s
moving van was on sight to gather toiletries in a drive-up and drop off manner. A check presentation was made to the Great
Falls Public School Foundation homeless student program in the amount of $4,905. Oh, and there was no outbreak of COVID
traced to our event!
The 2021 YPN Committee will continue to build on this year’s efforts and ensure a high level of value is provided to our
members. GFAR looks forward to collaborating with other YPN groups in the state to share best practices and increase
networking amongst all of the members in our state.
Helena Association of REALTORS® YPN
YPN was able to have our annual spring putt-putt fundraising
tournament in early March before life during a pandemic
altered the way we did things.
Our fundraiser brought in $2,225.10, which exceeded our
$2,000 goal, for Helena Food Share’s Kid Pack program!
We look forward to 2021, when hopefully later in the year
we will be able to gather and volunteer at levels prior to
the pandemic.
HAR YPN members present a check to Helena Food Share with
funds raised during their March Putt-Putt Tournament.
MONTANAREALTORS.ORG | 21YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK
Missoula Organization of REALTORS® YPN
Despite the unusual year, the Young Professionals Committee (YPN) remained active
and committed to being the voice of young professionals who are focused on personal
growth, and networking, with a focus on encouraging involvement in association
activities. A variety of opportunities were provided to members to volunteer, learn, and
build their businesses.
The Build Your Business Series of classes charged forward providing members’ an opportunity to tune-in for the information
and expertise provided by an individual or panel of professionals. YPN organized three classes for the REALTOR® members
to connect with professionals in the fields of Tax Planning, Social Media, and REALTOR® Safety. Two panel discussion classes
covered the topics of Best Practices, featuring four Missoula Brokers, and Working with Builders, featuring three builders
sourced from the Missoula Building Industry Association. In addition, the committee coordinated two community blood
drives for the American Red Cross.
The YPN persevered through the unusual year and look forward to what they can accomplish in 2021.
Northwest Montana Association of REALTORS® YPN
Throughout the changes 2020 brought, NMAR YPN remained
committed to their goal of providing opportunities for new
members to learn more about the real estate industry and our
association through networking and community involvement.
Many of the committee’s original plans were changed early
on in the year due to COVID-19, but YPN pivoted and brought
the membership virtual events, including a social media “boot
camp” webinar, and several Affiliate Spotlight interviews.
Three YPN committee members (YPN Chair Dema Weil, Chelsea
Goldberg and Mark Beck) were nominated to be NMAR’s 2020
Rookie of the Year in July, with Mark Beck receiving the award.
In August, YPN was able to safely gather outdoors for a
“Builders and Brews” event, where affiliate members shared
information about their building process, and REALTORS® had
the chance to network with industry related professionals.
November was YPN’s Month of Giving. The committee provided Thanksgiving dinner to 8 local families in need, snacks to
over 200 food-insecure students in the Flathead Valley, and donated to Coats for Kids & the Veteran’s Community Response.
NMAR YPN is excited to see what 2021 has in store for their committee, association, and community! ■
22 | MONTANA’S REALTOR® DIGEST 2020/2021SNAPSHOTS
MARKET
FROM AROUND THE STATE
MONTANAREALTORS.ORG | 23MARKET SNAPSHOTS
Bitterroot Valley Board of REALTORS®
Despite the curve balls that were thrown at us in 2020, the Bitterroot
Valley Board of REALTORS® pivoted,adapted and were able to produce
some great accomplishments!
Prior to the pandemic, we
were able to host a booth
at the Bitterroot Home
and Ranch Expo, giving
us valuable face time with
members of our community.
Once the pandemic struck the Bitterroot, we transitioned to virtual
BAR Members present a check to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Board and Committee meetings whenever possible. We are glad to have
been able to still conduct business, serve our community, and support
one another in triumphs as well as struggles.
Billings Association of REALTORS®
Our Professional Development Committee was able to offer a total of
The Billings Association of REALTORS® recognizes the importance of 24 credits of Continuing Education, double the required amount! Our
giving back to the communities we live in. members loved having the ability to take interactive, in-person classes,
REALTORS® are in the business of selling communities, not just homes. while still maintaining attendees’ health and safety.
Not only do they live and work in the community, their profession gives Our Government Affairs Committee has been working hard to fight
them a unique opportunity to know what issues people care about, and for the rights of homeowners in the Bitterroot Valley as wastewater
what they value in terms of quality of life. The Quality of Life program regulations are being amended by our county Board of Health. To assist
was established in 2004 with the goal of benefiting organizations in our battle to influence the rewrite of the wastewater regulations, we
that are working to improve the quality of life for our residents. Since received two IMF grants from MAR.
2004, more than $705,000 has been raised for 75 nonprofits and
community projects. Our Quality of Life Committee was able to donate scholarships to local
special needs seniors, something we are proud to do each year. We also
In 2020, $7,500 was donated to Big Brothers and Sisters from the virtual hosted two Highway Cleanup events to help promote the beautification
Casino Night and $35,000 was donated to various non-profits in Billings. of our Bitterroot Valley.
The Havre Chapter of the Billings Association of REALTORS® donated a We were proud to host a candidate meet and greet in partnership
total of $650 in Quality of Life funds to the Havre, Chinook and Harlem with the Bitterroot Building Industry Association. This event not only
Food Banks and the MSU Northern Foundation. allowed our members the opportunity to connect with their potential
The Lewistown Chapter of the Billings Association of REALTORS® leaders, but also gave candidates valuable facetime with members of
donated $700 to the Lewistown The American Legion, the Farmer in the the community that they may not have had the opportunity to reach
Dell and The Transportation fund from their Quality of Life donations. otherwise. We welcomed in several candidates running for state and
federal office.
REALTORS® are dedicated to making Quality of Life a multifaceted
program. The Association periodically hosts public education events To wrap up the year and get in the holiday spirit, the BVBOR sponsored
with the goal of opening lines of communication to allow concerned a local family in an Adopt-A-Family fundraiser. Several of our members
citizens, professional groups and decision makers to address issues donated monetarily, while others purchased gifts to donate for
within our community as a united force. the family.
In addition, REALTORS® are committed to community outreach projects While this year was a year unlike any other, we at the BVBOR are proud
that help raise awareness of and funds for non-profit organizations in to have been able to accomplish so much. It was not always easy,
the community. ■ but we stuck together and supported one another, as well as our
community! ■
Single Family 2019 2020 Single Family 2019 2020
Total Sales 2527 2531 Total Sales 749 861
Median Sales Price $254,000 $271,000 Median Sales Price $318,500 $377,500
Average Days on Market 55 38 Average Days on Market 140 129
Condo 2019 2020 Condo 2019 2020
Total Sales 90 78 Total Sales 14 18
Median Sales Price $148,450 $161,500 Median Sales Price $177,500 $188,750
Average Days on Market 40 59 Average Days on Market 86 118
Townhouse 2019 2020 Townhouse 2019 2020
Total Sales 267 286 Total Sales 6 25
Median Sales Price $219,000 $225,000 Median Sales Price $220,500 $242,000
Average Days on Market 64 48 Average Days on Market 93 133
24 | MONTANA’S REALTOR® DIGEST 2020/2021MARKET SNAPSHOTS
2020 GAR President Claire Gillam with 2020 RPAC Chair Jannie Wiseman. GFAR members painting crosswalks in partnership with the Build a Better
Community group.
Gallatin Association of REALTORS®
GAR started the year by installing President Claire Gillam and officers and Great Falls Association of REALTORS®
Directors of the GAR Board. During the first quarter of the year a good 2020 consisted of finding new ways to provide professional development, conduct
portion of time was spent searching for a new CEO, and we are pleased our member meetings and to support our community.
to say that we hired Rob Wigton in March. He began working remotely in
We continued our partnership with the Home Builders to monitor and resolve
May and in office by June first following his move to Bozeman.
development issues within the city and county. We are advocating for the protec-
As the COVID pandemic gained strength, our Charitable Foundation ral- tion of private property rights by publicly opposing the proposed Big Sky Country
lied to raise over $22,000 in food relief funds for needy families, and GAR National Heritage Area. We utilized IMF money to pay for radio and print advertising
worked with other local non-profits for the Give Big drive in the Spring. to inform private land owners how the proposed NHA will impact them in relation
The Government Affairs Committee hosted political candidates over to zoning and land use.
the summer in socially distanced question and answer sessions in our GFAR made several monetary and other supportive investments in the community
courtyard. The Committee also worked on developing an Advocacy in 2020:
Statement and will be used as a tool with out local public servants to 1. Great Falls Development Authority;
explain our stance on a variety of REALTOR® related issues. GAR GAD 2. Great Falls Business Improvement District;
Ellen Beck helped organize a statewide GAD retreat in Helena, which 3. Awarded a grant for a new gathering place along Rivers Edge Trail;
featured sessions on RPAC fundraising, bill reading and ballot issues. 4. Partnered with Build a Better Community group;
Most education classes were held virtually and attendance remained 5. Provided a letter of support to Great Falls Tourism.
strong. Our Education Committee asked the Board to approve a motion We sold truck raffle tickets for the Great Falls Public School Foundation. Over 8,000
to create a fantastic new Virtual Campus. This will allow for robust toiletries were collected for the school pantries and the youth resource center. The
virtual instruction, meetings, events and many other functions for our annual Salvation Army REALTOR® Ring Day raised over $1,400. GFAR was a drop off
members and non-members seeking continuing education and more. location for the YWCA’s shoe drive. Our charitable contributions included donations
Our Affiliates Committee held a series of virtual Member Enrichment to Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Alliance for Youth Center, Operation Santa and Christmas
classes throughout the year and capped the year with a Virtual Trivia Dinners for the Military. We also held a successful blood drive for the American Red
networking event. Cross and a food drive for the Great Falls Community Food Bank.
A Task Force was formed to develop a formal gala event with proceeds We held a new fundraising event for our Stand Up For Students program where
going to three separate charities. The original November date for this over 300 masked people came to enjoy the food of local food trucks. We continue
event was pushed into Spring of 2021 as the pandemic worsened and to advocate for homeless and disadvantaged students. A check was presented for
further restrictions were implemented throughout the state. $4,905 for the homeless students of Great Falls Public Schools.
We capped the year by participating in the Virtual Installation of MAR The 2020 Flag Day Ceremony became a parade of classic cars called Cruisn’ the Flag.
Officers, with our very own Candis Dorsch assuming the Presidency of GFAR ends 2020 with a member count of 329 which is the largest number in its
MAR and Mark Dobrenski being installed as First Vice President. GAR is history! We’re proud of our REALTORS® and how they handled the pandemic in
proud of the nimble and dedicated efforts of Leadership and Staff to these very trying times. We look forward to further defining what it means to be a
navigate the unique year that was 2020. ■ REALTOR® in 2021, because That’s Who We R. ■
Single Family 2019 2020 Single Family 2019 2020
Total Sales 1554 1809 Total Sales 1043 1215
Median Sales Price $435,950 $520,000 Median Sales Price $199,000 $217,000
Average Days on Market 69 61 Average Days on Market 95 91
Condo 2019 2020 Condo 2019 2020
Total Sales 553 724 Total Sales 76 91
Median Sales Price $319,900 $335,000 Median Sales Price $161,000 $178,900
Average Days on Market 40 65 Average Days on Market 105 106
Townhouse 2019 2020 Townhouse 2019 2020
Total Sales 185 253 Total Sales 26 25
Median Sales Price $294,000 $299,000 Median Sales Price $285,000 $288,130
Average Days on Market 44 39 Average Days on Market 190 166
MONTANAREALTORS.ORG | 25MARKET SNAPSHOTS
Missoula Organization of REALTORS®
It was a year like no other, however, the Missoula Organization of
REALTORS® dedicated themselves to offering guidance to help
REALTORS® navigate COVID-19 while remaining dedicated to
HAR CEO George Harris presents a check for hand sanitizers. supporting members’ pursuit of professional excellence.
The Organization delivered 10% more education to our members than
Helena Association of REALTORS® in 2019, resulting in 95 hours of in-person, virtual, and hybrid education
and training. MOR adopted the hybrid virtual/in-person model of
HAR responded and adapted as COVID-19 took hold in 2020 and we
education and received a stamp of ‘best practice’ from the Missoula
were able to continue providing education opportunities, supporting
County Health Department. The hybrid model allowed MOR to offer
our community and working to protect private property rights.
three designation courses including Accredited Buyer’s Representative
We provided 81 hours of continuing education for our members, with (ABR®), the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), and a Supervising
classes transitioning to virtual only. Great Falls Association of REALTORS® Broker Endorsement course.
coordinated with HAR to provide virtual safety training for members of
This year marked the 15th year of MOR’s Annual Housing Report and
both associations. HAR is also very proud of our 55 members that have
presentation, leveraging Facebook Live to replace the traditional in-
received their Celebration to Excellence Endorsement. We know that
person press release. MOR also provided a virtual Mid-Year Housing
number will continue to grow!
Report Update, a first of its kind in response to the community’s and
The Government Affairs Committee was kept busy this past year dealing members’ request for more housing data and the associated impact
with proposed major zoning changes in Lewis and Clark County that from COVID-19.
would have greatly impacted private property rights. IMF Funds were
The Missoula Organization of REALTORS® continues to work with the
utilized to bring awareness of the consequences of these proposed
city and county to monitor and help resolve development issues. We
changes. The most controversial part of the changes was put on
partnered with NAR and RPAC to obtain over $65,000 to manage a
hold until June 2022. The county formed a panel that includes a HAR
campaign to support the Local Option Gas Tax, which passed.
member, to continue work on proposed changes, while we continue to
advocate for private property rights. Our members continued to dedicate themselves to our mission:
Connecting Home and Community. This year volunteer members held
In April, HAR donated $6,000 to sponsor hand sanitizer produced by a
and promoted two blood drives, collected over 7,300 pounds for the
local distillery. The hand sanitizer went to first responders in hospitals,
Missoula Food Bank and raised $30,000 through the MOR4Kids Kickball
care facilities, law enforcement and others in critical need.
Tournament Fundraiser and online Silent Auction, that went 100%
HAR received an Adaptability Grant from the State Commerce virtual at the last minute.
Department for $9,080 to procure equipment and software for our
As we close out an exceptionally unusual year, with record sales and
virtual training needs including education classes, Board Meetings and
a pandemic, it’s important to recognize the outstanding teamwork,
Committee Meetings.
volunteers, and community leaders that make our association strong.
With all the challenges 2020 brought, we are proud of our successes and We look forward to continuing the pursuit of excellence by connecting
look forward to more successes in 2021! ■ home and community in 2021! ■
Single Family 2019 2020 Single Family 2019 2020
Total Sales 965 1122 Total Sales 1402 1600
Median Sales Price $280,000 $310,000 Median Sales Price $335,000 $375,000
Average Days on Market 103 96 Average Days on Market 101 94
Condo 2019 2020 Condo 2019 2020
Total Sales 81 108 Total Sales 138 145
Median Sales Price $211,500 $221,750 Median Sales Price $188,000 $235,000
Average Days on Market 93 77 Average Days on Market 85 95
Townhouse 2019 2020 Townhouse 2019 2020
Total Sales 14 10 Total Sales 149 146
Median Sales Price $249,250 $252,200 Median Sales Price $274,900 $312,750
Average Days on Market 69 76 Average Days on Market 118 160
26 | MONTANA’S REALTOR® DIGEST 2020/2021You can also read
