Summer Home Buying in Western Montana: What You Need to Know

Summer is the time for home buying in Western Montana. Why? Because let’s face it—people aren’t exactly jumping on a plane to house hunt in the middle of a snowstorm (unless they’re here to ski). We only get a few solid months of nice weather, and that window brings a lot of energy, movement, and, yep—competition.

Here’s what you need to know if you're thinking about buying a home this summer in our neck of the woods.

1. Increased Activity Means More Competition

You’re not the only one who wants to move when the sun is out and the roads are dry. Expect more buyers in the market, and more listings to look at. The good news? You can actually tour homes in person, without needing snow boots or shoveling your way up a driveway. The bad news? That dreamy house with the wraparound porch? You’re probably not the only one eyeing it.

✅ Tip: Be ready to move quickly, but don’t skip your due diligence. There’s more inventory, but that doesn’t mean you should rush into the wrong house.

2. Inspections Matter (A Lot)

This is the part I really want to drive home. Summer is when all the snowmelt runoff starts revealing issues we couldn’t see in the winter. Water damage, mold, poor venting—this is when it all starts to show.

🔍 Here’s what to watch for during inspections:

• Roof ventilation: Poor venting can lead to mold, especially after a long winter.
  
  
• Crawl space issues: If there’s no vapor barrier and water’s coming up from the ground, you could be dealing with moisture or mold down there too.
  
  
• Sprinklers: Believe it or not, sellers sometimes forget to turn them on. Make sure they’re working before you close. You can even write it into your contract—just like how we blow them out in the fall to avoid freezing.
  
  

3. Book Your Movers Early

Summer isn’t just busy for buyers and sellers—it’s slammed for moving companies, too. Out here in Western Montana, we don’t have a huge pool of movers to begin with, so their calendars fill up fast.

🚛 Why this matters:

• You might sell your house and have nowhere to go.
  
  
• Or you buy a house and can’t get in for weeks.
  
  
• Either way? Stress.
  
  

✅ Tip: Get your moving company locked in as soon as you can. You’ll thank yourself later.

4. Summer Is Busy, but It’s Worth It

Yes, competition is up. Yes, movers are swamped. But summer also gives you the best chance to see homes in their prime. Green grass, blooming gardens, full sunlight—it's easier to fall in love with a place (and inspect it properly) when it’s not buried under two feet of snow.

And hey, if you’re moving from out of state, it’s a beautiful time to visit and get a feel for the area. There’s a reason people wait for summer—it’s just easier. Nicer weather, more options, and better access to the professionals you need.

Final Thoughts

If you're thinking about buying this summer, go in prepared. Know that you’ll face some competition, but also have more room to breathe than buyers did a few years ago when homes were flying off the market before you even got a showing.

Get a solid inspection. Ask the right questions. Don’t assume everything’s perfect just because the sun is shining.

And don’t forget the sprinklers.

Thinking about buying this summer? Let’s talk early. That way we can make sure you’re ready when the right house pops up—and not scrambling when the movers are all booked.