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Northwest Montana Real Estate Market
Snapshot
January 2009
 2008
Residential Sales in the Flathead were a
little over $400 Million Dollars - about the same amount
as sold in 2003. And while the record was set in 2006 at
double that amount, prior to 2003, Residential Sales
never exceeded $350 Million. I know everything you read
about the real estate market is negative these days; but
from a historical perspective, the real estate market
performed fairly well in 2008. In hindsight, the market
growth from 2004 - 2006 was simply not sustainable.
Natural business cycles will always be a factor in all
markets. Here's my take on the current market:
Real estate is a long-term
investment. The "boom" of the last few years
created a misconception that real estate was a high
yield, short-term investment. It's not and should never
have been treated as such. True investors, as opposed to
speculators, know this fact well and focus on creating
wealth over time with sound real estate investments.
Buyer's Rule.
Opportunity exists to purchase exceptional properties at
prices unheard of in recent years. Last year there were
over 7000 active listings on the NMAR MLS, but only 18%
of those listings actually sold. This will create a
market in 2009 where two things will likely happen: 1.
Sellers that "Don't Really Need to Sell" will withdraw
from the market; and 2. Real Sellers will be forced to
lower prices in order to have more than a 1 in 5 chance
of selling their property in 2009. Buyers will have more
correctly priced choices, excellent bargaining position
and incredible financing terms as interest rates have
fallen to historic lows.
Successful Seller's Adjust.
Here is the secret to pricing your home to sell - it's
what a Reasonable Buyer thinks your home
is worth that will ultimately determine the selling
price and has little to do with what your property would
have brought in 2006. The facts are brutally simple -
there are fewer ready, willing and able buyers today -
and they are in total control of our market.
Professional marketing can enhance the perceived value
of your property, lessening days on market and
maximizing sale price.
Buying or Selling - Utilize the
knowledge and experience of a Professional REALTOR®.
Gone are the days of listing your property
with a friend of a friend - you need a full time
professional Realtor. Check credentials, education,
business experience, references, work ethic... There are
many licensed agents in northwest Montana, but only a
handful are full time professionals dedicated to
performing at the highest level. Few have been as busy
in this difficult market as Deaton & Company. During the
Fourth Quarter of 2008 we closed nearly $2 Million in
sales and have nearly $2.5 Million under contract due to
close in the First Quarter of 2009! Give us a call to
find out why we're so confident at Deaton and Company
Real Estate.
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Northwest Montana Real Estate
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