Correction! - Insurance Premiums and Homestead Application {{ now

Correction! - Insurance Premiums and Homestead Application {{ now | date_format('MMM D, YYYY') }}

Published: Fri, 02/13/26

Updated: Fri, 02/13/26

"Real Estate Round-Up"

Why Insurance Premiums Are Going Up

There are a number of factors causing insurance premiums to rise today. But, in the simplest sense, here’s what’s driving prices up according to the Insurance Research Council (IRC).Severe weather events and natural disasters are happening increasingly often, leading to more claims. At the same time, homebuilding materials and labor are more expensive. So, when it comes time to work on those claims, insurers have to manage higher costs to repair or rebuild the affected homes. All those factors combine to higher premiums.

The good news is, the annual pace of the increase may be starting to ease according to ResiClub and Cotality. By their count:

In 2023 and 2024, insurance costs went up 14% a year.
In 2025, they rose about 10%.
And in 2026 and 2027, it’s expected to go up about 8% each year.

That’s still an increase, but at least the pace is slowing down.

To help save, each year:

Shop Around – Compare quotes from multiple companies.
Bundle Policies – Combine home and auto for discounts.
Ask About Discounts – Don’t miss out on savings you may qualify for.
Highlight Upgrades – Make sure your policy is updated with features like a new roof or storm windows that can cut costs.
Improve Your Credit – A stronger credit score can mean better premiums.

Excerpts from "Keeping Current Matters" Feb 2, 2026

Were you blindsided by a massive Montana property tax hike last year? What was promised as relief turned into a nightmare for many retirees and homeowners. In this urgent update, I’ll reveal why this is a constitutional issue and break down the critical lawsuit former Senator Greg Hertz has filed to fight it.

Donations can be sent to:
Montana Policy Action
115 N Broadway, Suite 410
Billings, MT 59101

Greg Hertz 406-253-9505 greghertz11@gmail.com
Contribution Form (This LINK has been corrected!)

Beautiful Opportunities

Just Listed on Swan Lake!

Swan Mountains reflect across Swan Lake into this exquisite, private waterfront home. Your nearly five acre setting leads down a sprawling lawn to 280 feet of premium beach frontage on the Westshore of Swan Lake. No expense was spared in the modernization of this light & bright contemporary five bedroom home. Complete main floor living with cozy fireplace. The lower level boasts a theater room and 4 bedrooms; upper level has a versatile loft space overlooking the Great Room. Adjoining is a full guest suite with kitchen & laundry with great lake and forest views featuring a primary bedroom plus a multi-bed bunkroom. So many custom touches! Toward the lake, across a suspension bridge, is a great getaway bunkhouse. At the lake is a storage bldg for lake toys & frig by lakefront deck, fire pit and gravel beach. At the driveway is power and water for an RV hook-up. Final necessity is the huge storage/toy barn across the road. Listed for $8,250,000 Full details and Video Walk-Thru

Whitefish Condo

Ski in / Ski out from this beautiful resort townhome in the Moose Run complex in Whitefish. Ski from the lower level right onto the Home Again Ski Trail for easy access to Whitefish Mountain Resort. This end unit (of triplex) is 3600 sq ft which includes the 600 sq ft Rec Room (which is the double garage conversion) Large foyer opens to vaulted main floor Great Room with floor to ceiling windows. Open concept Kitchen and Dining area centered with fireplace. Upstairs is Primary Suite with French doors opening to overlook the Great Room. A guest suite is currently set up as a spacious bunkroom & ensuite. Lower level finishes with two more guest ensuites and the access to the hot tub. Can be short-term rented, Agent Owned. $2,750,000 Full details & Video Walk-thru

Qualified Montana taxpayers have until March 1, 2026, to enroll their property to receive the homestead or long-term rental property tax reduced rate.

Many homeowners were automatically enrolled. You can verify your enrollment at homestead.mt.gov.

The fastest way for taxpayers to enroll their property is online at homestead.mt.gov.

Note that mailing a paper application form will add processing time.

To enroll you'll need your GEO code. You can find that by looking up your property on Montana Cadastral or on your tax bill on the top right area.

If you are enrolling a long term rental, here are the qualifications:

The property is rented to tenants for 28+ days at a time.
The property is rented for 7+ months of the year.
The property rented is the tenant's residence.
You are current on payment of the property taxes.

You'll need to report your annual rental income and gross expenses on the application so have that available before you start and your application will go smooth!

If you have a long term rental on your primary residence property it is recommended that you apply for that rental also along with your primary residence. (You'll use the same GEO code as your primary residence).

The referral of your colleagues, friends and family is the greatest compliment you can give us. Also, because we have world-wide connections to top agents through the RE/MAX international network and other professional organizations, if you are ever in need of a great agent referral outside of the Flathead Valley give us a call. We can research and find a superior, qualified agent to help you with your real estate goals practically anywhere!

Contact your favorite Hollinger Team member anytime:

Scott Hollinger Broker/Owner

Dane Hollinger Broker Associate

Drew Hollinger Sales Associate

Kellie Hilley Closing Manager & Sales Associate

Diana Rahdert Marketing Manager & Broker Associate

OFFICE: 406-837-5531 (Mon-Fri 8-5)

The Hollinger Team
RE/MAX of Bigfork
406-837-5531

8545 MT Highway 35
PO Box 725
Bigfork MT 59911
USA

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