Leslie Spence Reeder

Thinking about buying a duplex or small rental property here?

• Verify zoning matches the current use and your future plan.
• Ask whether utilities are shared or separately metered.
• Read the leases so you know what transfers to you.
• Get insurance pricing early so your numbers are real.

These four checks can change the math quickly in Northwest Montana. If you want us to walk through one with you, we’re here.

When several siblings inherit one home, the house is rarely the first challenge.

Before pricing or cleaning anything out, get clear on four things: who can sign, who communicates with everyone, how decisions will be made, and how belongings will be handled. Write the process down before the house work starts.

Across Northwest Montana, we see inherited sales move more smoothly when the family agrees on the order first.

If your family needs help mapping out next steps, we are here.

Listing a rural home in Northwest Montana soon? Pull these four records before buyers ask.

• Private road agreement or maintenance notes so access and upkeep are clear
• Easement documents for drive access, utilities, or shared use
• Shared well agreement plus recent testing or service records
• Septic permit, install details, and pumping history

If you want a second set of eyes before you go live, we can help you track down the missing pieces.

Planning a 1031? What you do before listing can make the timeline a lot easier.

- Know your likely replacement price range and must-haves.
- Understand the 45-day identification window and 180-day closing window.
- Keep 2 or 3 backup replacement options ready.
- Bring your agent, qualified intermediary, lender, and tax advisor in early.

If you’re considering a Northwest Montana exchange, I can help you plan the sale side before your property goes live.

West Valley mornings, fire pit evenings, and room to spread out under the pines.

This log-sided home pairs vaulted wood ceilings, a rock fireplace, a granite kitchen, 4 beds, 4 baths, and flexible space for guests, hobbies, or animals across 8+ fenced acres bordering Forest Service.

1199 E Mountain Meadows Road | $1,400,000 | 2,582 sq ft

See more at the link in bio.

Starting to sort through a parent’s or inherited home in Northwest Montana? Gather these 5 things first.

- Any trust, will, power of attorney, or court papers showing who can make decisions
- The deed, mortgage, home equity line statements, and the latest tax bill
- A simple list of updates, repairs, and anything not working
- Well, septic, water, access, or permit info if the property is rural
- Your timeline, who needs to be involved, and the plan for belongings

If you’re not sure what applies, I can help you sort the first steps.

In Columbia Falls, this is the kind of place that starts with good bones, mature trees, and room to make it your own.

Classic 1955 ranch with a bright living area, larger lot, metal roof, fenced yard, and an easy one-level layout close to the park, pool, and local businesses.

1506 4th Avenue W | 3 bed | 1 bath | 1,104 sq ft | $399,900

Link in bio for full details.

Downsizing after many years in the same home and trying not to end up between homes?

Start with where you'll go next, then build the sale backward from that move date. The right timing terms can create the overlap that keeps you from moving twice.

In Northwest Montana, the timing of available homes and closing dates matters more than most people expect, especially when a long-held home is part of the plan. I help clients map this out before the home hits the market.

If a downsize is on your horizon, reach out and I'll help you think through the order.

Found a Northwest Montana home you love, but it sits on a private road or shared well?

Before you move forward, verify the road agreement, recorded access, shared well terms, recent water testing, and whether lender, title, or insurance will need anything extra. These details shape daily life after closing.

Around the Flathead, rural properties can be great fits when the paperwork matches the setting.

If you want a second set of eyes on a rural property, I’m happy to help.