June Edition: Preservation & Protection

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
— Native American Proverb

As Montana’s landscape awakens to the full expression of summer, we enter a season that naturally invites reflection—on preservation, legacy, and the enduring value of place. June marks the culmination of spring’s promise, a time when the connection between distinguished properties and their natural settings is at its most vivid.

At Wildfell, we believe the most significant investments are those that honor both present enjoyment and future preservation. The thoughtful acquisition of property demands not just an appreciation for its current character, but a commitment to stewarding that character for generations to come. This preservation ethic extends beyond individual parcels—it speaks to the broader landscapes and communities that define Montana’s lasting investment appeal.

In this June edition of The Wildfell Journal, we explore how preservation enhances both property value and community character. We examine current market conditions through the lens of long-term stewardship rather than short-term speculation, and we spotlight properties that exemplify the wisdom of investing in assets that gain significance over time, not through dramatic alteration, but through intentional care.

As you consider your investment objectives for the season ahead, we invite you to think beyond acquisition—toward curation, preservation, and contribution. The most meaningful property investments are those that maintain distinctive character while adapting with integrity—creating assets that appreciate not just in market value, but in cultural and environmental significance.

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FLATHEAD VALLEY MARKET INSIGHTS: 

Q2 2025 Insights

Current Market Dynamics

The Flathead Valley continues to demonstrate the market characteristics that distinguish it from more speculative real estate environments. As we move through the second quarter of 2025, we observe a marketplace increasingly defined by discernment rather than urgency—a development that aligns well with our investment philosophy at Wildfell.

While home prices in Flathead County have increased by 3.2% year-over-year (to a median of $645,000 as of April 2025), the average days on market has extended to 98 days, up from 83 a year prior. This signals a shift toward thoughtful acquisition, where buyers are taking more time to evaluate opportunities rather than responding reflexively to limited supply.

Supply and Demand Equilibrium

The dramatic inventory shortages that characterized the 2020–2022 period have evolved into a more balanced market, where quality properties continue to command premium valuations while less distinctive offerings face extended market times. In Kalispell, for example, inventory increased by 22.6% from March to April 2025, creating room for both buyers and sellers to make more intentional moves.

This differentiation serves the interests of discerning investors who recognize that distinctive character and exceptional location will always find their market, regardless of broader economic conditions. Properties with architectural merit, strategic land positioning, or lifestyle-enhancing settings continue to outpace general market trends in appreciation.

Geographic Preferences

Within the Flathead Valley, we’re seeing sustained and growing interest in areas that balance accessibility with privacy. Whitefish and Bigfork remain strongholds for sophisticated buyers—particularly those seeking proximity to water, ski access, or adjacency to conservation land.

In Whitefish, median home values remain high at approximately $870,733, demonstrating enduring demand for premier locations. The appeal of these areas is not only aesthetic; they also offer limited future development potential, ensuring both scarcity and legacy value.

On the commercial front, established downtown cores—especially walkable main streets—are seeing increased attention. Investors continue to pursue mixed-use or retail properties that enhance community vitality while generating stable returns. The connection between local character and investment defensibility has never been clearer.

Investment Trends

We continue to observe a shift away from speculative, opportunistic strategies toward portfolio-based acquisition. Many of today’s most successful investors are assembling Montana holdings that complement primary residences elsewhere, creating a distributed lifestyle strategy that embraces seasonality, regional diversity, and long-term positioning.

These buyers are guided not by market timing, but by clear investment criteria and patience—a perspective that mirrors our approach at Wildfell. When discernment is prioritized over haste, the resulting portfolios are more likely to reflect both financial and personal significance.

Looking Forward

The fundamentals underpinning Flathead Valley remain strong:

– Limited developable land

– World-class outdoor recreation

– Rising national recognition of lifestyle value

These forces are expected to continue supporting demand for properties that offer both livability and long-term utility.

For the discerning investor, this presents a rare opportunity: the ability to acquire significant, character-rich properties without the competitive frenzy of recent years. We believe this is an ideal environment for building purposeful property portfolios aligned with long-term generational goals.

CONSERVATION CORNER-

Preserving Working Landscapes

Montana’s ranch properties offer a rare intersection of investment potential and conservation value. These working landscapes maintain habitat connectivity and the open-space character that defines the state’s appeal. At Wildfell, we see ranch investments as opportunities to align portfolio growth with land stewardship.

Conservation easements allow ranch families to retain operational control while protecting the land’s character in perpetuity. These agreements also offer notable tax advantages, making them attractive to investors who value both financial efficiency and legacy impact.

For those considering ranch acquisitions, conservation planning presents a path to reduced costs and lasting significance. The most compelling investments are those that balance productive use with preservation, creating assets that appreciate in both market value and meaning.

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MONTANA FORAGING | JUNE HARVEST

The Art of Sustainable Foraging

Montana’s June landscape rewards those who approach it with curiosity, knowledge, and respect. Among the most compelling early summer harvests is the serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), also known as Saskatoon—a native fruit that offers both exceptional flavor and ecological significance.

Serviceberries: Wild Flavor, Deep Roots

As foragers, we look not only for flavor, but for the story a landscape tells—and serviceberries speak of resilience, tradition, and shared abundance.

Sustainable Harvesting
Serviceberries ripen gradually, allowing for multiple harvests from the same bush. Take only what you can use immediately, and always leave ample fruit for wildlife—these berries are a vital food source for birds and small mammals.

Culinary Notes
Traditionally dried by Native communities for winter storage, serviceberries today lend themselves beautifully to modern kitchens. Think: serviceberry chutney with grilled game, hand pies, pancakes, or even infused syrups for summer cocktails.