Happy New Year!

Cheers to you my friends and family!

2009 has definately been a year to choose. A year to evaluate and separate necessity from indulgence. A year to consider our choices a little more critically and a year to appreciate all that we have.

I am not suggesting that was easy or fun to make these choices, but I believe that living a little more simply and savoring all that I have, made the things I took for granted a little bit sweeter. For example, we were fortunate to move to a little cabin in the woods. It needs a lot of work and doesn't have a floor or a kitchen.....but it does have indoor plumbing and WE LOVE IT!! I appreciate all that the resources that I have a computer, a plan, a car to drive, a place to work and my good health. I have great friends and family who always make me feel like a serious success!!

I am looking forward to the new year....ringing out the old. Seeing the 2010 with fresh eyes and spirit, I am looking for ways to have continued success and hopefully enhance the lives of all whom I am in contact with as they enhance my life.

Thanks to all of you that contributed to my year. I appreciate all of the communications, friendship, smiles, and business.

Cheers once again!

Fantastic New Listing: High Caliber Home for Sale

This home is situated in the McAllister area of the valley. It is offered on 38 private acres and and it is one of those special properties that only come around every so often. Click here for a link to the website. You can download or view a brochure and a photo album on the website or email me at dmyrvik@montana.net and I can email you the information directly.

Stuffed Acorn Squash | Community Food Co-op

Co-op Stuffed Acorn Squash Community Food Co-op
I am going to give this a try for Christmas dinner. I have been thinking about it since Thanksgiving and I think that is is finally time to try it! Let me know if you try it too and what you think!

We will be spending a quiet Christmas in the new cabin up South Meadow. It has been snowing off and on the last two days. The snow is sitting in the pine trees and it looks like a holiday card! I love it up here!

Happy Holidays!

The Bakery Sabbatical

Wow. I am so refreshed and ready to take on this real estate market.

I had scheduled a trip to Tulum and Playa del Carmen in Mexico on December 2, and although I really hated to bail on my great, understanding friend, I made the right decision to stay in Montana. So, with snow blowing outside, I started brain storming for something to do during the slowest time of the year for real estate. Most people are not looking at moving or making investment in our area during December. Sooo, I thought “Holiday Assistant”. Make myself available to other who might be too busy to implement all of their Holiday plans, parties and social schedules. Sort of a little holiday elf helper!

One of my first contacts was to Elle Fine, friend and proprietor of Elles Belles Bakery and Café in Bozeman. I just love her cookies, cakes, pies, and food and her tremendous commitment to her loyal customers. So, she immediately said she needed help. I drove to Bozeman and helped her get the holiday corporate gifts shipped out.
It was so great to be in a totally new environment. The hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations reminded me of my old retail days at the Lone Spur. Don even get me started on the sweet smell of sugar cookies being rolled out, baked and frosted! Everyone knew what had to be done and just got to work. Really a great mix of people and I found the new conversation to be refreshing. It felt like a great place for me to be stretching my tight mind and spirit.

As I say goodbye to 2009 and look forward to 2010, I thank Elle for the chance to be in her space for a few days and I return to my desk at Montana Territorial Land Company with renewed enthusiasm, fresh ideas and new vigor.

Happy Holidays All!

Oh, by the way, if anyone else needs a Holiday Assistant.....I am available!!

125 Falcon Lane McAllister, MT 59740 : RealEstateBook.com

The Montana Log home for Sale 125 Falcon Lane McAllister, MT 59740 : RealEstateBook.com

Smart End of Year Tax Moves

I cannot believe that we are already in the last quarter of the year. It seems like most of the year passed by while I was waiting for one thing or another to happen. I know that it is better to "be in the present", but sometimes waiting for something in the future takes priority.

Anyway. I just came across this Wall Street Journal article and thought some of you might find it useful. Click on this link to read it. smart-year-end-tax-moves%3A+Personal+Finance+News+from+Yahoo%21+Finance

Good News All,

The tax credit for home buyers has been extended and expanded to include existing homeowners. Email me for more details. dmyrvik@montana.net or ask a question in the comment box below.

This is great news for buyers wanting to take advantage of the great deals and large selection of properties out there. The new credit offer $6500 back to existing homeowners on a primary residence up to $800,000 and gives you until July 30, 2010 to close but you must have your contract in place before April 30, 2010.

First time buyers still get the $8000 tax credit.

Perfect Getaway - montana homes for sale -

Hunting Property: Home borders forest, 20Acres - montana homes for sale - backpage.com

Check out this new listing on the Montana/ Idaho Border. It is a great spot and I believe that it is a good deal! Seller told me a great story about this property. He was talking to his son and daughter about moose when the 2 year started pointing and saying "moose, moose" sure enough....there was a moose in the back yard!!!

I have more pictures if you would like me to email them to you, leave a comment below or email me at dmyrvik
@montana.net.

Happy Fall!

Lot 17 Rainbow Point McAllister, MT 59740 : RealEstateBook.com

Lot 17 Rainbow Point McAllister, MT 59740 : RealEstateBook.com

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Ennis Flyfishing Festival

The flyfishermen and women are descending on the town. There are lots of great events going on from music, to gallery walks and casting clinics. View the schedule here.

There is a gorgeous lot available at Rainbow Point on Ennis Lake. It is such a lovely location in a one of the premier lake communities. Ennis lake is never very crowded but offers great fishing, waterskiing, windsurfing and more.

Madison River Fisherman may be interested in the newly remodeled home in town on the river. It is walking distance to your morning coffee at the local coffee house and you can always walk out your front door to hook a giant rainbow. This home is in a quiet neighborhood with Madison Range Views.

If you are nearby, come down to Ennis and enjoy the festivities. It is a wonderful long weekend.

Climbing the Grand

The Object of our Obsession
The Grand Teton. What a magnificent mountain. I just got back from a 2 day hike/climb/summit of this beautiful creation. I was invited to go on this trip and hesitated about 30 seconds before saying yes! It is one of those opportunities that you must take when it comes along.

We started on Friday August 28th at Exum Guide's office near Jenny Lake in Teton National Park. It is about 3 1/2 hours from Ennis, Mt--my home. We had a great weather forecast for sunshine and warm temps and were grateful for that. This summer has been exceptionally cold and rainy which can translate into worse weather at elevation. As a matter of fact I ran into someone on the mountain who got snowed out when it accumulated 6" while they were trying to get to the top just 3 weeks ago.

Here is the happy cast of characters. We set a relaxed pace with lunch and water breaks and spent most of Friday hiking the 7 miles up-5000 feet elevation gain-to the lower saddle where we would spend the night and prepare for the 3 AM wakeup to start our bid for the summit. BTW our heavy backpacks are not in this picture!



Watching the sunset from the lower saddle we were happy and nervous at the same time. Only a few more hours until we would continue on to the technical part of our adventure.

3AM came quickly after a sleepless night of tossing and turning in the Exum tent with 12 other restless climbers. We ate a quick breakfast and geared up. This included 3 layers of shirts and two layers on the pants, wind resistant warm jacket, helmet, harness, and headlamp.

We climbed and hiked and scrambled and climbed. The sun came up and revealed the magnificent views all around us. Did you know that you can see Old Faithful blow in Yellowstone National Park from up here? Amazing.

Then we climbed some more. Here I am after climbing a chimney with some snow and ice packed in it.

Now I am skipping ahead in the story. Part of the descent (which means we did make it to the top!) includes a 140 foot rappel. Here I am lowering myself.

I am that tiny dot at the top of that giant wall. Preparing to lower myself to the next level of rock.

Back to the Story>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The Summit. August 29th, 2009 at 9:55Am. What a Grand feeling. We could see for miles in every direction. It was balmy, warm and calm.

Here is the Benchmark.....13,770 elevation. It felt good to run my hand over this.

Here is the crew at the summit. A little more tired, but just as excited and happy as when we started.

One might think that this is the end of the story.....we still had to come down. Our day ended back at the car at 8PM. It was a LONG day. But we were still smiling!

We ran into so many interesting people along the way. There were climbers and hikers from many parts of the world. There were also the seasoned mountaineers/outdoorsmen who leave the parking lot at 3 AM and hike, and climb and return to their car in the same day. There was the runner who was hopping rock to rock like a billy goat with no protection... crazy. I hope he made his goal.

I am still smiling and thinking about the next time.....

More photos and video to come.

August ?? in Montana

It is so hard to believe this year. I know that everyone talks about the weather, but it is something we all have in common. So, here I go. This year in about May, I was particularly anxious for summer. It really was a long winter and since the real estate business has been a little slow, I didn't make my annual trip down south. These things really led to a burning desire to wear shorts and complain about how hot it is.

Well, snowy June turned into chilly July and I finally reconciled myself to the fact that it was ok to have some refreshing rains everyday and the green mountains, hills and pastures were pretty nice to have around into August.

I took a hike to South Meadow Lake on Saturday, August 8th, 2009 and I cannot believe the number of wildflowers......Incredible.

I am not sure when Fall will come, but I am so glad to have seen all of these amazing little wildflowers in August.

We are so lucky to live in Montana and enjoy it daily. I saw 10 people total in 4 hours.

It was a very peaceful hike.

Summer Hits !!

Due to the massive amounts of moisture (rain) and the unusually cool weather.....it is gorgeous here this summer. It is still so green and it is almost August. Fishing has been pretty good and the tourists are in town. Real estate is definately off from where is was 2 years ago. The good news is that there are lots of properties to choose from and many are really good deals.

So, if you are a buyer, now is a good time to buy. Interest rates remain low and selection high.

This sweet log home pictured above sits on 20 acres in North Meadow Creek. It has a lot of water running through the property and you can do some irrigating through the water rights that the HOA owns. This private location backs onto ranch land and other large private ownership which borders BLM. Property is fenced and cross fenced for horses or other animals.

The log home is custom built and is immaculate. There are 2BR/2BA and a loft sleeping/office/reading area. The deck and porch offer cool solace during the day as you read your book, admire your views and listen to the gurgling water.

There is also a detached 2 car+ garage. Asking price on this Montana dream is $495,000.

4th of July in Ennis, MT

Happy Fourth of July. The kick off for summer in Ennis! The turn out was huge this year. I am sure that I always say that, but this year really was big!! A local artist, David Lemon posted this you-tube video. It shows the parade and the crowds. Check it out.

I love the Fourth of July because so many of my past and present clients show up in town. It is great to catch up with everyone.

After the socializing it is time to enjoy the fishing, rodeoing and other recreational fun that abounds.

Miles City Bucking Horse Sale 2009

Here we are again. The World Famous Bucking Horse Sale. I grew up in Miles City, Montana and this is the biggest event every year. People come from all around to be entertained. It is always a big reunion. It reminds you that although Montana is the fourth largest state, it is still a small western world.

The Bucking Horse Sale is the third weekend in May. It started in the late forties. During the hard times of the depression, many ranchers/homesteaders were forced to turn out their horses because they couldn't afford to keep them and feed them. As a result, the wide open spaces of eastern Montana were had too many wild horses running loose. To help remedy the problem, the horses were gathered up and sold at the auction for rodeo stock across the country. What better way to showcase the horses than by a rodeo! A new tradition was begun.

Back in the heyday, many western entertainers like Gene Autry would come to Miles City for the event. There aren't many hollywood types in Miles City for the event now, but it's reputation for a fun, western time is legendary in the state.

Sorry for the crazy layout. If anyone out there can help me with layout of photos and text on my blog....I am totally open to it!! I can't seem to get the flow right.

Anyway..................

Horse Arena and Showbarn on 20 Acres ~

No Covenants, Great Highway Access and Frontage and Close to Town

This is a great property for personal or a commercial operation. Home is only 10 minutes from downtown Ennis, MT. Included in the sale is a newer manufactured home that could be rented out, moved or used as a residence. Property borders a well designed ,covenanted newer subdivision with strong covenants. This lot could definately be used to build a custom dream home.


Please visit my website for a brochure with more detailed information. This property is listed for $600,000.

Devil's Tower

Two weekends ago my sister got married in Deadwood, SD. It has changed alot since the goldrush days and the era of the HBO series Deadwood, but it retains its historic architecture and the folks there love their cigarettes! It is now a gambling town, but nothing flashy like Las Vegas. It has a cobblestone main street and is haunted by the history that built it.



I couldn't help thinking that it was like Virginia City, MT on steroids. It is a pretty long drive from Ennis. I would guess about 7 hours but it is neat, especially if you like goldrush history, gambling, old architecture or want to get married!



If you are looking for a relaxing time, don't visit around the time of the Sturgis Bike Rally. Even Deadwood is overflowing with Harley enthusiasts and I imagine it is pretty raucous!



The whole area seems to welcome the bikers year round. We stopped for a Bloody Mary in Hulett, Wyoming and they were of the same mindset. That comaraderie is pretty neat and it seems like the Black Hills is fun riding. We were in the car, but my Uncle Craig took advantage of the clear weather and rode his Harley from Billings, MT to the wedding.



On the way home we stopped and took a hike around the base of Devil's Tower. Wow. It is so out of place with the rest of the topography. You can see why the Indians honor it as a sacred place.



I was pleased all of my pictures from Devils Tower. They had this old, faded colorized effect. I am going to print a couple up.

Norris Schoolhouse Restaurant

Here is an opportunity to own a historic piece of Montana and take the existing business to new levels or reinvent it with your own vision. This former school retains most of it original schoolhouse flavor including chalkboards, oak floors and cursive writing guides while serving up great Mexican and American specialties. It is currently owner/operated seasonally.

Restaurant takes only a portion of the the square footage, leaving ample room for living quarters or more businesses. Price includes kitchen equipment, serving and cooking dishes and utensils, tables, chairs, recipes and beer/wine license.

Norris, MT is a destination spot for visitors of the nearby hot springs bringing in regulars as far away as Bozeman.

This historic property sits on just over an acre and borders state land. It is 30 minutes to Bozeman and 20 minutes to Ennis. It is 10 minutes from fishing on the Madison River and hiking in the Bearmouth Canyon where there is great fishing. Camping and rock climbing in the Revenue Flats is 10 minutes away too.

This is a great opportunity to run your own business for only $260,000.

By the way......they just opened on weekends for the coming season!! Chile Rellenos here I come!!

Click Here For a Brochure. MLS # 157357

Deer Need Property Now

Today is Tuesday. Tuesday has been my floor day since I first started real estate. It is probably the only constant factor in my Realtor world. But, I wouldn't trade the flexible, unusual, surprising, and unexpected nature of my job.

Take today for example. I was sitting at my desk, talking on the phone, wishing for a little more sunshine, when this group of deer came by. There were probably 20 in all and they paused long enough to gather up and cross the street. They were heading north.

Well, it looks like even deer need elbow (hoof) room.

40 Acres near Public Land

This property is just 4 miles west of Norris, Montana. It is centrally located, but don't don't expect many neighbors. It borders a large family ranch, some mining claims and state land. You are only 5 minutes away from BLM land that offers trails and even rock climbing. There aren't many properties out there with this much land for this price.

It even has an old log home. You could set up your hunting camp here or live in it while you build your dream home or cabin.

There are no covenants or restrictions on this parcel. That's right. You can build a lodge, target shoot, raise emus, or whatever your heart desires....as long as it is legal!

Asking Price: $359,100 MLS# 149845

Click here for a brochure.

Traffic Jam ~ Montana Style

I am so spoiled living in rural south western Montana. I can pretty much get in the car and go where I need to go without delay. So, even if I am running late....I can usually get there. Friday, was a different story.

It was the most gorgeous day, teasing us that it really was the first day of spring. My dog, Daisy, had a vet appointment in Belgrade and we were running a little behind schedule. In other words, we were LATE!




There was nothing to do but get in the car and drive like Andretti. There were hints that something may be amiss ahead as we veiwed the leftover evidence of cows (cow pies) on the highway, but we kept our thoughts optimistic about the fact that the cattle drive could have happened earlier in the day. We were doing well, gaining time, soaking in the sunshine and appreciating the views. But, as we rounded the corner, our progress was stalled.

I think Daisy was secretly happy. After all, why would a dog of such cattle herding breeding pass on the opportunity to bark at a few cows! What fun.

So, we took advantage of the unexpected time that we had added to our trip and our hectic day and took a few pictures, barked at a few cows and waved at some neighbors who were stuck going the other direction. Everyone was happy.





How many places can you live where you can experience these unexpected, cathartic delays?


Notice the flyfisherman in the last photo. It truly was a lovely day.