"By all these lovely tokens, September days are here. With summer’s best of weather
and autumn’s best of cheer." – Helen Hunt Jackson
GO WITH SUCCESS! GO WITH DENISE LANG
#1 Realtor in Transactions #3 Realtor in Sales Volume #1 Realtor Bigfork 
Montana Regional MLS period 1/01/2015 to 12/31/2019. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Testimonial
Denise was the first and only Realtor we spoke with when we were relocating to the Flathead Valley. She is very knowledgeable about all areas of the Valley and in addition to being responsive, she did a lot to ensure a smooth closing. We would not hesitate to recommend Denise. Gary and Sue

Hello dear friends and clients,

I thought you would enjoy a photo of our hot tub with the hops that shade it. No, we don't make beer but hops make a great and lush perennial.

What a summer! In my 18 years of selling real estate in the valley, I don't think I remember a year like this one. People from far and wide want to be here. Every Realtor I know is busy. It's incredible. Here are some stats from our multiple listing service.

Comparing sold listings for August to last year:
August 2019--973
August 2020--1213
+24.7%

Comparing sold listings this year to date to last year:
2019--5675
2020 (ytd)--6290
+10.8%

We anticipate buyers will continue to be interested in our market so if your property has expired or you feel it is time to sell, contact me. We'll get it listed and sold! My experience, consistent record and excellent negotiating skills will successfully lead you toward a sale at the right price.

Call, text or email me. We'll have dinner (I have an in with the local sushi joint). 

Best of health, wherever this finds you and if you are here, stop in to the office and visit.
See you soon. Denise
Local News
Hydrangea Home Staging -- new décor gurus out of Bigfork.
Flathead Lake’s water level has been dipping since September 1.
Flathead home sales quantities and speeds by city over 5 years.
National News
Compare moving habits now to those during the last pandemic.
As remote work takes off, "zoom" towns are booming!
What are 3 maintenance issues that can tank your house deal?
September brings a late summer peace to the valley. It is the ideal time to hike, fish without the crowds. To help, we have put together some links that offer you everything Flathead!

Your guide to trip ideas and national parks
 
Statistics and government information

Attractions, accommodations and business networks

Places to golf in NW Montana
 

NEW ON THE MARKET
MLS #22013363 $369,000
Under contract - taking backup offers
MLS #22014791 $823,100
CONTINGENT - WAITING TO CLOSE
SOLD!
Two spice rack staples, ciInnamon and nutmeg, give this chicken a wonderful depth of flavor, and fresh tomatoes, lemons, and herbs add zest. Buy bone-in chicken breasts that are about the same size so that they cook evenly.

INGREDIENTS 
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided
3 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano leaves, divided
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 (12-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, trimmed
8 thin lemon slices (from 2 lemons)
1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 1⁄2 inch diameter), halved lengthwise
1/2 cup chopped tomato (from 1 tomato)
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1⁄4 cup)

DIRECTIONS
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F with rack about 8 inches from heat. Combine onion powder, salt, thyme, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, and 2 teaspoons of the oregano in a mini food processor; pulse several times until well blended. Add oil; pulse until combined.

Step 2
Place chicken and lemons on a rimmed baking sheet; rub chicken evenly with 1⁄4 cup of the herb mixture. Toss potatoes with remaining 3 tablespoons herb mixture. Arrange potatoes around chicken and lemon slices. Roast in preheated oven until a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of chicken registers 155°F and potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes

Step 3
Increase oven temperature to broil. Broil until skin is browned and crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven, and let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with tomato, olives, feta, and remaining 2 tablespoons parsley and 1 teaspoon oregano.
I decided to re-read Huck Finn, figuring that reading it as an adult would give me a different perspective than I had in my high school English class. I also am interested in the parallels of the time of Twain’s writing and our own times. I think I am looking for some solace in the idea that no matter how broken we seem, there is a future for us, just as there was over 100 years ago.

With his themes of America’s lingering problems of racism, the American dream and the rugged individualism of the West, Twain was ahead of his time. Maybe he was writing about a young democracy and we are still that—a young democracy. Innovative high school teachers now use the novel to talk about the imperfect America that forged Twain’s time, and now, the juxtaposition of a racial and moral world with the controversies and tensions that continue to surround it.

Huck learned a variety of life lessons on the river that contributed to the growth of his character. He learned how to live away from society's demands and rules. Through Jim, he learned the value of friendship and how to make decisions on what his heart told him to do.

I wanted to re-examine the “American Dream” through this century old story. Is it still true that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their own version of success in a society? Is upward mobility still possible for everyone?
Call me and let's talk about your real estate goals. Go with Success!
I love to share so if an item or two in this newsletter interests you, pass it on!
Just scroll down to the bottom of this email and click forward.
406.249.1758 DeniseLang@NPRMT.com