"I actually was in the bottom of the Grand Canyon one time and I took a call."
Katie Ward is no stranger to hard work. It was so obvious to me, especially after we both chuckled about her level of devotion to this trade—the Grand Canyon, really?—that Katie is among a small percentage of professionals within the real estate industry who uses 25 years of invaluable experience to bend back the branches to get her clients what they're after. Her background is business centric, and it all began when she was 18 years old.
"I was the downtown girl for the Missoulian. I remember I wore red shoes and I didn't even take a lunch break because I was having so much fun," says Katie. She enjoyed helping businesses through selling advertising. In her 20s, Katie opened up Sign Pro not only in Missoula but all across the country. "You know, they are only small for a little bit of time, if they're hardworking," says Katie, speaking from her soft spot for small businesses. When she began her real estate journey in 1996, she dived right into finding these businesses storefronts and offices in and around the Missoula and Bitterroot valleys, and she was relentless at opening the right doors and calling the right people. “Having been a business person, I know the numbers behind a business, and so I do value businesses and I value any income property—I’m well-versed in that.”
Today is no different.
Katie picked up the phone on the right day when Yellowstone producer Charlie Skinner called her up in an effort to lock down some spaces to lease for all sorts of show related work—costume shops, producer's offices, interior sets, etc. "I actually had to call the commissioners in Missoula because I wasn't finding anything great and they helped me," says Katie. "And then you start calling lawyers and start calling bankers and you just have to pick up all the rocks to find good properties for people.”
Katie also explains the domino effect that real estate often produces. When you get a reliable tenant and cashflow, leased spaces are easier to sell. But then selling proved challenging when our local inventory became sparse, especially for people looking for residential spaces. "Statewide, we’re actually 50,000 homes short, according to the economic development director in the governor’s office," says Katie. "We just don’t have enough homes."
So out comes the crystal ball, metaphorically of course, and Katie starts to rattle off what's to come. "With interest rates coming down, we’ll see a lot more products hitting the market. A lot of people are just waiting," says Katie. “I think we’re going to see a lot more downtown housing—I have people working on that—apartments, condos...In the Bitterroot, riverfront lots, business parks, and light industrial." And speaking of the Bitterroot, Katie says that Lolo is "going to come alive." She says, "I also sold the Lolo school...once that school is developed, it will be a mixed use property. Some multifamily, some townhomes but along the front will be commercial, and real soon Stockman Bank will have a big bank there. They are also opening a bank in Stevensville right now. We have a lot happening but it takes tax money to extend the infrastructure so you know, it’s probably a five-year process for Lolo."
Katie has been a consultant on development projects and she's had her hand in many up-and-coming projects that will undoubtedly serve our growing valley. If you're entering the market as a buyer or seller, Katie hones in on one important tip: "It’s really important to find a great agent who works hard for you.” Whether it's an investment property, a business location, or a residential space, Katie meets any opportunity with an extensive network of connections and a trusted reputation.
"You just have to pick up all the rocks to find good properties for people.”