About Flathead County, MT

What's new in the valley? The biggest news this week is the selling of Semi-Tool, one of the valley's largest employers. Semi-tool was started in California and moved to Kalispell by a local man. The company makes the equipment to manufacture wafers for semi-condutors. The deal is set to close before the end of the year. No word yet if the local plant and employees will be effected.

The Kalispell truck alternate route (aka bypass) contract has been awarded. Construction to start depending on weather.

Waiting for......... SNOW! The slopes on Big Mountain - Whitefish Moutain Resort - open in early December. Snow is forecast for this weekend, let's hope it starts piling up on the mountain. It was downright balmy a couple of days this week, I would have riden a horse if I didn't have to be in the office working. Got the shoes pulled for the winter.

Don't miss my favorite coffee spot in Kalispell, Colter Coffee on Main Street. Great place to visit, wifi, and the best coffee in town.

Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week!!

Election results are in: changing of the guard in both Kalispell and Whitefish. Kalispell has a new mayor, 33 yr old Tammi Fisher, a local attorney. Some change in the personnel on Kalispell City Councel as well. Whitefish put in new council members. It will be interesting once everyone is in office if these are changes for the better or not.

School elections in Kalispell had differing results for restoring the building funds. Elementary passed and high school failed. The way the schools are in the valley is a bit different. Elementary in the city of Kalispell would have those voters voting. For the high schools, enrollment covers quite a wide area with voting coming from voters not necessarily in town and in the town elementary districts. Is this a push back on high schools from the new construction of Glacier High and major remodel on Flathead High? District is considering going back for another vote on this later on. My take was that the taxes would not increase, just stay the same to build up the reserve.

Weather had been mild but now is getting colder. Need to start getting the snow pack built up on Big Mountain in time for an early December opening day.

by Cary Jo

Snow!! Yes, some wet stuff is falling today. A cold front is passing through and giving us a little white, so far nothing is sticking in the valley, but should be in the mountains.

Hunting season opened last Sunday. You could feel the buzz in the air. Not a lot of success, but never the less many wait months for the chance to walk around in the woods looking for game.

Successful closing on my first REO - bank owned property. I had a seller and even with the extra paper work, went very smoothly. The good thing about an REO, there is no delay in a response back from the seller (lender). In a short sale you can literally wait for months for an answer. In my way of thinking, my buyer got a great deal since this house should have been around $200k and sold for $182k.

Off to deliver home books to 2 of my new listings!

It has been a busy week in my real estate business. I have hardly put my head up to see what is going on around me in the valley. 4 new listings, 1 large commercial property, 3 more closings before the end of the month - LOTS of paperwork!! It is all good. The nice thing about being in this business for so long is referrals from past clients. 2 of those just this week.

Election for mayor of Kalispell is picking up speed as far as campaigning goes. Watching with interest to see if there will be a changing of the guard. I really have no say since I don't live in the city limits, but it does effect me anyway since I work and sell real estate in the city.

Fresh Life church is a fairly new Calvary church in Kalispell. They meet in a former movie theater in town and have just bought another, the Liberty, to do a simulcast service since they max out their space even with 3 services. Dynamic teaching and great music. Levi, the pastor, is in his 20's but definitely has a gift for teaching.

Off to take photos of a new listing. Watch my web site for the newest listings.

Rent To Own! 50% rent credit! Gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bath 1500 square foot home with a 2 car garage on a fenced 2 acres in beautiful Kalispell, MT. The fenced 2 acres is great for your horses or other animals! There is a redwood deck, lap siding, metal roof with a well and septic. There is electric heat but also a wood burning stove so utilities are minimal!!! Home has incredible views of Lone Pine State Park with wonderful trails and hiking available to you! Rent is only $1000 per month and first months rent and money down required to move in. Please contact us at 406-250-9553 with any questions or visit us at www.50statesrent2own.com. Until next time....

Pete Olsen

Rent To Own Homes, LLC

www.50statesrent2own.com

www.activerain.com/blogs/peteolsen01