There is a specific magic that settles over downtown Livingston during the holidays. Between the crisp winter air and the streets filled with neighbors, the Livingston Christmas Stroll is easily the highlight of our winter season.

For our office, the Stroll represents our most beloved tradition: The Annual Gingerbread House Competition.

This year, the community support was nothing short of spectacular. If you stopped by to vote, chat, or simply smell the icing, thank you for making this our best year yet. 

 

Community Turnout

We love opening our doors to the public, but we were blown away by the turnout this year. We officially had over 600 people come through our office during the Stroll!

It was wonderful to reconnect with longtime…

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ERA Landmark's Season of Giving is well underway! Our commitment to our community shines brighter than ever during the holiday season. Our agents and staff are dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities, and this year is no exception. The Season of Giving tradition dates back to 1984, when we started selling Christmas trees from our parking lot and over the years, this initiative has evolved and grown in many ways. This joyful season was kicked off by Can the Griz and includes fun community events and donating to local charities from our Christmas Fund. Keep reading for more about our Season of Giving and ways for you to get involved!

Can the Griz Food Drive

The annual community-wide food drive, Can the Griz, is a beloved tradition in…

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Bozeman Events

Dec 6: The Christmas Stroll

Downtown Bozeman (Main Street): Santa, hayrides, tree lighting, live music, and vendors. Requires a Christmas Stroll Button.

Dec 6 & 7: The Nutcracker (Montana Ballet Co.)

Willson Auditorium: Classic holiday ballet performance.

Dec 12 : Winter Art Walk

Downtown Bozeman: Local artists showcase work in downtown shops and galleries.

Dec 12-14: Holiday Spectacular

Willson Auditorium: Annual performance featuring holiday favorites and a sing-along.

Dec 5-21 (weekends): A Christmas Carol

The Ellen Theatre: Stage performance of the classic Charles Dickens tale.

Jan 24 Bozeman Winter Farmers' Market

Gallatin County Fairgrounds (9 AM – 12 PM): Local and seasonal goods.

Feb 14-16:…

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If you own a home or a rental property in Montana, you’ve likely felt the sting of rising property valuations. But there is good news on the horizon. The state has overhauled its property tax structure to differentiate "Long-Term Rentals" and "Homesteads" from short-term rentals and vacation homes.

New tax classifications for the 2026 Tax Year offer significantly lower tax rates for eligible properties—but only if you are correctly classified.

Here is what you need to know to secure your tax relief, including a critical deadline that just opened this week.

1. The "Long-Term Rental" Tax Break

For landlords renting to Montana residents.

This is the biggest change for investors. Historically, rentals were often taxed similarly regardless of…

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For nearly a decade, Bozeman residents have driven down North 7th Avenue past the 31-acre vacant lot where Kmart once stood and wondered, "What's next?" That question now has a 1-million-square-foot answer: Bozeman Square.

This massive, phased project is poised to become one of Bozeman's most significant developments, transforming the empty asphalt into a vibrant, mixed-use district. Led by developer I.J. Barkan, Inc., the project is not just filling a void; it's creating a new anchor for Bozeman's Midtown corridor.

Here is everything you need to know about the Bozeman Square development:

 

What is the Bozeman Square Project?

Bozeman Square is a large-scale, "live-work-play" community planned for the 31-acre former Kmart property on North 7th…

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Supporting Our Neighbors: Join the ERA Landmark Livingston November Food Drive!

As we head into the season of giving, our team at ERA Landmark Livingston is committed to supporting those in need right here in our community. We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a Food Drive for the entire month of November!

This year, all donations will directly benefit two incredible local organizations: the Livingston Food Resource Center and Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen. Both of these organizations work tirelessly to provide essential meals and pantry staples to our neighbors, and their work is more important than ever.

We invite you to join us in making a difference.

 

How You Can Help

It's simple! Just gather your non-perishable donations and…

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Let's Can the Griz! Join ERA Landmark in Supporting the Gallatin Valley Food Bank

The most exciting time of the year in Gallatin Valley is almost here! No, we’re not just talking about the "Brawl of the Wild" (though we’re excited for that, too!). We’re talking about the annual Can the Griz Food Drive, and ERA Landmark is proud to announce we are all in, once again!

This incredible community-wide competition against the University of Montana and the city of Missoula does more than just settle a friendly rivalry—it fills the shelves of our local food banks right when they need it most.

We are thrilled to be an official drop-off location for this year's drive, which runs from Saturday, November 8, to Saturday, November 22.

 

Our Goal? To Beat Last…

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Spread the Warmth: The Annual Big Sky Coat Drive is Back!

As the unmistakable chill of winter settles into the mountains, our community's incredible spirit of generosity lights up. We're excited to announce that the annual Big Sky Coat Drive is back to ensure every one of our neighbors stays warm and safe this season.

This annual drive is a true grassroots effort that brings together local businesses, non-profits, and residents. 

New This Year: We're Collecting Boots!

Thanks to a new partnership with the Rotary Club and the Big Sky high school, we can help keep our community warm from head to toe. In addition to distributing warm winter coats, gently used winter boots will also be collected and distributed this year.

How You Can Help: Donate Your…

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You’re invited to participate in our annual Gingerbread House competition at our Livingston office! Show off your skills and creativity as you design and decorate your gingerbread house. Your creation will be on display at our Livingston office during the Christmas Stroll on December 5th, where visitors will get to vote for their favorites. We have multiple categories so everyone can participate:

Youth Category: 12 & Under

  • 1st Place: Trophy and $100
  • 2nd Place: $50
  • 3rd Place: $25

Open Category: For Anyone

  • 1st Place: Trophy and $300
  • 2nd Place: $150
  • 3rd Place: $75

Drop off your magical gingerbread creation at our Livingston office between December 1st - 4th. We can't wait to see what you create! If you have any questions, call Melody at our…

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Short Answer: No. For most buyers in the Gallatin Valley, waiting for lower rates is a risky gamble. The high demand in our market means home prices are likely to rise, wiping out any potential savings from a slightly lower rate. A better strategy is to "marry the house, date the rate."

This article breaks down the financial risks of waiting and explains the strategy of buying now and refinancing later.

 

What Does "Marry the House, Date the Rate" Mean?

If you're a potential homebuyer in the Gallatin Valley, you're not alone in feeling "on the fence." You've seen mortgage rates climb from their historic lows, and it’s tempting to hit pause, wait for them to drop, and then jump into the market.

It feels like the logical play. A lower rate means a…

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