February 2025 Real Estate Market Report for Flathead County, Montana
As we move into 2025, the real estate market in Flathead County, Montana and our key communities - Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, and Lakeside - continue to show dynamic changes. Here's a breakdown of the February 2025 market compared to January 2025, giving you insights into trends, pricing, and market activity across the region:
Market Overview (comparing January 2025 to February 2025)
Inventory Levels:
Flathead County: The number of homes sold increased from 82 in January to 90 in February, indicating a slight uptick in inventory absorption. The increase in closed sales suggests that the market is still maintaining relatively balanced levels of homes for sale.
Whitefish: Despite a small dip in closed sales (from 22 in January to 20 in February), inventory likely remains consistent. However, the drop in average sales price could indicate more properties sitting on the market longer as buyers become more price-sensitive.
Kalispell: Kalispell saw a notable increase in closed sales from 36 in January to 43 in February, signaling higher buyer demand and likely a stable or slightly reduced inventory as homes are moving more quickly.
Columbia Falls: Closed sales remained steady at 12 for both months, indicating that the inventory level has likely remained stable, but the market in Columbia Falls remains competitive with an increase in average sales price.
Bigfork: With a decrease in closed sales from 8 to 7, inventory could be slightly higher, but the market remains slower, with fewer sales and longer days on the market, suggesting less competition for available properties.
Lakeside: Despite a small increase in closed sales from 2 to 3, inventory is likely low, and the quick sales (with days on market dropping from 126 to 52) show that available homes are highly desirable and moving fast.
Sales Activity
Flathead County: Sales activity increased from 82 closed sales in January to 90 in February, showing moderate growth. This indicates a healthy level of buyer interest despite the price adjustments.
Whitefish: The number of closed sales decreased from 22 in January to 20 in February, reflecting a slight cooling of the market, possibly due to the significant price drop that may be affecting buyer confidence in the higher-end market.
Kalispell: Kalispell saw a strong rise in sales, from 36 to 43 closed sales. This increase in sales activity suggests that buyers are still active, and the relatively stable pricing is attracting more buyers.
Columbia Falls: Sales remained steady at 12 for both months, indicating a relatively stable market. This suggests that Columbia Falls is experiencing consistent demand, with some price movement indicating a healthy level of buyer interest.
Bigfork: Bigfork saw a slight dip in sales activity, from 8 in January to 7 in February, reflecting slower activity in this area, likely due to higher prices and longer days on market.
Lakeside: Sales increased from 2 to 3 closed sales, though the number is still low. However, with homes moving quickly (with a drastic drop in days on market), it’s clear that there is strong buyer interest in this area.
Median Sale Prices:
Flathead County: The average sales price dropped from $967,396 in January to $770,848 in February. This significant decrease reflects a broader market adjustment, potentially influenced by changing buyer preferences and a shift in the type of properties selling.
Whitefish: The average sales price decreased drastically from $1,725,318 in January to $791,925 in February. This sharp decline could be indicative of the high-end market adjusting to buyer affordability.
Kalispell: The average sales price decreased slightly from $675,157 in January to $682,330 in February, suggesting that while prices have dropped, the market remains relatively stable, with slight reductions more in line with market trends than dramatic shifts.
Columbia Falls: The average sales price rose from $709,763 in January to $837,013 in February. This significant increase could indicate a shift toward higher-value properties or increased buyer interest in the area’s mid-range market.
Bigfork: The average sales price decreased from $911,695 in January to $841,786 in February. This price drop could be linked to the slower sales activity in Bigfork, with sellers adjusting their prices to attract more buyers.
Lakeside: The average sales price decreased slightly from $1,017,500 in January to $857,667 in February. While still a high price point, this decrease could indicate a shift in the types of properties being sold, with some price adjustments made to align with market conditions.
Market Outlook
Looking ahead, the Flathead County, Montana real estate market is expected to remain dynamic, with continued price adjustments and varying levels of buyer activity across different communities. While some areas like Whitefish and Bigfork may face slower sales and price reductions, others such as Kalispell and Columbia Falls are likely to see stable or modest growth in both sales and pricing. Inventory levels are expected to remain relatively steady. Buyers may find more affordable options as prices moderate, while sellers will need to remain flexible in pricing to stay competitive. Overall, the market appears poised for a balanced Spring season.
How Does This Affect Sellers?
For sellers, the February 2025 real estate market data indicates mixed conditions. While the number of closed sales has generally increased, the drop in average sales prices - particularly in areas like Whitefish and Flathead County - means that sellers might need to adjust their expectations. Sellers in higher-priced markets (like Whitefish and Bigfork) may need to lower their asking prices to stay competitive, especially as buyer affordability becomes a bigger factor.
The decrease in days on market in some areas, such as Kalispell and Lakeside, is a positive sign, indicating that well-priced homes are still moving quickly. However, sellers should be prepared for a longer wait if their property is priced too high, as some areas (like Bigfork) are seeing longer times on the market. In general, sellers may need to be more flexible and strategic in pricing and negotiations.
How Does This Affect Buyers?
For buyers, February's real estate market trends present both opportunities and challenges. The reduction in average sales prices in many areas, like Flathead County and Whitefish, might offer more affordable options compared to earlier in the year. Buyers may find that they have more bargaining power, particularly in areas where prices have dropped significantly. However, despite the price adjustments, the market remains competitive, and some areas like Kalispell are seeing quicker sales with fewer price reductions.
In summary, buyers can benefit from price reductions in some areas but must remain ready to compete in a market with limited inventory and homes that may sell quickly.
Ready to Navigate The Market? Let’s Get Started.
Overall, February's market in Flathead County and the surrounding communities reflects a mix of price adjustments and continued buyer interest. For those looking to buy or sell, it's essential to stay attuned to these trends and make informed decisions based on the shifting dynamics of local real estate.
Whether you're looking to buy or sell in Flathead County, Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, or Lakeside, now is the perfect time to get expert guidance on your real estate journey. With the market shifting, having a knowledgeable Realtor by your side can make all the difference in securing the best deal.
Let’s work together to make your real estate goals a reality! Contact me today to discuss how I can help you navigate these changes and find the perfect home or get top dollar for your property. Your dream home is just a call away!