House hunting in Big Sky Country

Real estate apparently works a little differently in rural Montana.

Here in northwest Indiana, when we decided to sell our house, we contacted a realtor (one of many in the area, of course; but this one, in addition to being very good at what she does, is my sister's mother-in-law, so she's practically family). We signed papers-- LOTS of papers. Then her agency put signs in the yard and an overview in the Multiple Listing Service. Other realtors see the MLS listing and call to make appointments. It's all very structured.

In one of the communities in our our house search, however, there is apparently no need for such formalities. Instead, they have Kelly.

If homeowners are thinking of selling, they call Kelly.

If people are thinking of buying in the area, they call Kelly. Or a local resident (in our case, a helpful parishioner) calls Kelly and provides an introduction to the prospective buyers (us), so they can tell her what they (we) need.

Then Kelly considers the options, brings a compatible buyer and seller together, and a house changes hands.

Usually over a nice cup of tea. And cookies.

It's like dealing with the Realty Yenta.