Life hacks and tips from your real estate experts.

Bozeman Black Friday & Small Business Saturday Shopping Guide

The holiday shopping season is here, and Bozeman is the perfect place to find incredible deals while supporting local businesses. Whether you’re braving Black Friday sales or shopping small on Small Business Saturday, this guide will help you make the most of your weekend.

Black Friday Shopping in Bozeman

Gallatin Valley Mall
For an unbeatable Black Friday shopping experience, the Gallatin Valley Mall is Bozeman’s ultimate destination. With extended hours and doorbuster deals, it’s the ideal place to check off your entire gift list. Shop national retailers like Macy’s, JCPenney, the new American Eagle store, and Barnes & Noble for discounts on clothing, books, home goods, and…

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Top 10 Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving in Bozeman for a Large Group

Hosting Thanksgiving for a big crowd can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you're aiming to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you manage the day like a pro:

1. Plan Ahead & Delegate Tasks

Start planning your menu and shopping list a few weeks in advance. Make a detailed timeline of when each dish needs to be prepped, cooked, and served. Don’t hesitate to delegate—guests often want to contribute, so ask them to bring a side dish, dessert, or even beverages. Assign tasks like setting the table or washing dishes to willing family members.

2. Choose Make-Ahead Dishes

To reduce the stress of cooking…

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Thanksgiving in Bozeman: Tips, Fails, and Inspiration

As Thanksgiving approaches, Bozeman locals are gearing up for a holiday like no other. With unique campaigns and festive food experiments, there's a lot of excitement in the air. Whether you're looking for Thanksgiving ideas or curious about how to avoid common cooking mishaps, we've got you covered!

Thanksgiving Campaigns: Embracing the Fun of Cooking Fails

This year, several companies are putting a playful twist on Thanksgiving with creative campaigns that embrace the unpredictability of home cooking:

  • Pepsi's Baking Fail Challenge: Pepsi is hosting a "#PepsiApplePieChallenge," encouraging home cooks to share their most epic baking fails. The winner receives a limited-edition bottle…

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We know preparing for Thanksgiving day can be stressful so we have made it easy with these great Turkey Tips!

Turkey Cooking Times

Cook until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F
*Approximate times*

Unstuffed 325F
8-12 lbs • 2.75-3 hours
12-14 lbs • 3-3.75 hours
14-18 lbs • 3.75-4.25 hours
18-20 lbs • 4.25-4.5 hours
20-24 lbs • 4.5-5 hours

Stuffed 325F
8-12 lbs • 3-3.5 hours
12-14 lbs • 3.5-4 hours
14-18 lbs • 4-4.25 hours
18-20 lbs • 4.25-4.75 hours
20-24 lbs • 4.75-5.25 hours

Turkey Thawing Times

*Never use a dishwasher or hot water to thaw a turkey*
Replace cold water every 30 minutes

Refrigerator
5 lbs • 1 day
5-10 lbs • 2 days
10-15 lbs • 3 days
15-20 lbs • 4 days
20-25 lbs • 5 days

Cold Water
5 lbs • 2.5 hours
5-10 lbs • 2.5-5…

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Being a homeowner means taking care of your home through every season. We have made it easy to know exactly what you need to do to prepare your home for winter with this simple how to winterize your house checklist:

Winterizing Your Home Checklist

Winter Home Prep List

Heating & Furnace

  • Test the furnace or heat pump systems
  • Clean any debris around units
  • Change air filters
  • Reverse ceiling fans
  • Program thermostat to regulate temperatures when you are not home

Reversing your ceiling fans is a simple trick that can help you reduce your thermostat by a few degrees while still feeling warm. This is because the warm air in your home rises, and gets trapped along your ceiling. By changing your fan to turn clockwise you can push the air back down into the room,…

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How to Prepare Your Home for a Natural Disaster: A Homeowner's Guide

Natural disasters can strike unexpectedly, leaving homeowners vulnerable to property damage and personal risk. By taking proactive steps to prepare your home, you can minimize potential damage and ensure the safety of your loved ones. This comprehensive guide will walk you through essential measures to protect your property against various natural disasters.

Create an Emergency Kit

One of the first steps in disaster preparedness is assembling an emergency kit. This kit should include: Non-perishable food and water for at least 72 hours First aid supplies Flashlights and extra batteries Battery-powered or hand-crank radio Important documents in a waterproof container Cash and…

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Are you interested in moving to Bozeman, Montana?

Have you compared the climate here to where you are moving from? If you’ve never lived in a cold climate, moving to one can be quite a shock! We decided to compile a few tips to help you transition to your new, cold climate, here in Bozeman, MT.

Get Your Vehicle Ready For Ice and Snow

Moving to a location with freezing temperatures and snow means you’ll need to do a little preparation on your vehicle. Engine oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluids all need to be checked and potentially changed to accommodate freezing temperatures. You will also want to consider getting snow tires for better traction. It is also a great idea to keep a winter kit in your vehicle. This would include items like a…

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Bozeman, Montana Spring Cleaning Services & Tips

Spring is on the horizon, and in Bozeman, Montana, that means it's time to shake off the remnants of winter and breathe new life into our homes. But fear not! Spring cleaning doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right mindset and approach, it can be a rejuvenating experience that leaves your space feeling revitalized and ready for the season ahead. Here are some tips tailored to the Bozeman area to help you tackle your spring cleaning with ease:

Set Realistic Goals

Before you dive in, take a moment to outline your spring cleaning goals. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in the time you have available. Break down your tasks into manageable items, and spread them out to make the…

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True Cost of Homeownership: Expenses Beyond Your Mortgage

Owning a home is a dream for many, and affordability is often the make-or-break factor when it comes to purchasing your own house. While the focus of the affordability conversation is often on mortgage payments, homeownership comes with additional expenses beyond what you pay toward your home loan each month. Understanding the monthly costs of owning your home can help you plan and budget effectively and determine whether homeownership is right for you right now.

1. Property Taxes

Property taxes are going to be one of your ongoing expenses of owning a home—and as the value of your home rises, so too can the amount of tax you owe. This is because the amount varies depending on the assessed…

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What is a rate buydown?

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, navigating the intricacies of mortgage rates is crucial to securing a prosperous financial future. At Tamara Williams & Company, we're not just real estate professionals; we're your local experts committed to empowering you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions. We have some game-changing tips & tricks for you to get a lower interest rate - which is quite a hot topic these days! We want to help, keep reading to learn the concept behind rate buydowns and how you can potentially secure a lower interest rate than what's widely advertised by mortgage lenders.

Understanding Rate Buydowns:

Rate buydowns, a strategic financial maneuver, involve sellers, home…

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