Testimonials
Robert Hubble & Christina VoylesMy wife, Christina, and I had been trying to return to Montana for several years. We already own a home in Missoula, but wanted something more traditionally Montanan; a simpler life far removed from exorbitant, ever-rising city taxes and manic traffic. In our unhurried quest, we worked with a string of realtors ranging from the didn’t much care to the downright dishonest. Indeed, if it hadn’t been for one concerned neighbor at a property we were having inspected we might well have inherited a three-party broken sewer nightmare. Some seller’s realtors didn’t even return our calls or emails … which is how we finally met with Steve Stelling: A calm breath of fresh air in a stressful sea of mediocrity. Always willing to talk. Always available to allay fears and instill confidence in what can sometimes be a stressful process, but should instead be a pleasure. Steve was brilliant from the first phone call. It was immediately evident that Steve had a clear understanding and wealth of knowledge about the type and location of properties that we were interested in, and was well-informed about the properties that specifically interested us, as well as their surroundings – geographical and historical – and any possible problems we might encounter. But also put our minds at ease if we had unwarranted concerns. Indeed, Steve steered the ship in the right direction for us and we ended up with a property that we had only before dreamed about. We feel immensely fortunate in ending this search better than we had ever hoped. And we can only thank Steve and his team for their continued patience, understanding, and careful guidance during the whole process. Experience matters, as does an appreciation for the land on which people live and peoples have before lived. Steve and his team have that Montana appreciation and experience in spades. Thanks to them, we are now living on the eastern front of the Bitterroot Range. A special place for me because I spent many summers firefighting in the mountains there, in some of the most spectacular unspoilt terrain in the whole country. I feel as if I’ve finally come home.
Many thanks! Robert Hubble & Christina Voyles
Tom & Teresa ClemensWe would highly recommend Steve Stelling as a professional, knowledgeable and hard working realtor. He was very competent and knew the market and the demographics in our area very well. His advertising for his listings is second to none. He is able to attract outside buyers from many different areas because of the strong advertising campaign in outside markets. He communicated with us on all aspects of the selling process. He works very hard for the Seller to get the price you are asking for your property. He is above all very honest. I would recommend Steve Stelling to anyone wanting to sell their property. Thanks again Steve, it was a pleasure doing business with you.
Colonel (Ret) Edward and Suzie TiceSteve,
Thank you again for the outstanding services you provided in selling our handcrafted log home and 80 acres. Your knowledge of the market, steadfastness, and most importantly your enthusiasm for your work was exceptional. We really appreciate how you kept us informed throughout the process, and were always immediately available by phone and responsive to our needs. Your integrity and indeed your friendship are unsurpassed, and reflect the highest standards of your profession.
Best regards,
Colonel (Ret) Edward and Suzie Tice
Ken & Jewell KodillaSteve,
Jewel and I thank you and your entire team at Stelling and Associates for helping us with our recent retirement home/land search in Montana. From the first time we contacted you from our home in Michigan, through the many weeks of searching, the closing on the property and even afterwards, your office has been very exceptionally responsive and very thorough in answering all of our many, many questions. We were very worried at first since we lived so far away but within the first few hours of meeting you, we realized we were in absolutely good hands. You are very patient and made us feel like we were your only clients. More importantly, you are very knowledgeable in your understanding of real estate in Montana, and were always truthful about both the good and bad related to the properties we were looking at. If you did not know the answer on a piece of property, you got back to us within 24 hours, and sometimes even the same day. It is obvious that you enjoy working in real estate, working with people, and in helping to make their home/property dreams come true. We would not hesitate to recommend you to family, friends and associates, and will certainly use you and your team for all of our future real estate needs in Montana. Thank you again for a really wonderful buying experience.
Best Wishes,
Ken and Jewel Kodilla
Brad & Cindy Bassett – In search of a retirement dreamWe began early several years back searching for a home and property in hope of one day retiring in Montana. Researching through various real estate advertisements, we happened upon an agency titled Stelling Realty. Drawn in by the warmth of approach and splendid advertisements of properties for sale we called to set up an appointment for discussion.
Meeting Steve, his wife Keni and son Steve Jr. for the first time set my wife and I instantly at ease. It was obvious from the very beginning that the Stellings would never panhandle, or forcibly attempt to push a property of no interest to us. As a matter of fact over the years the Stelling’s remained very patient as we continuously changed our minds on properties ranging in size or locations. Through this period and interaction, our relationship with the Stellings grew more into a friendship than a business. As our friendship grew Steve and Keni became more in tune with our desires and plans for retirement. With this understanding the properties we reviewed resembled more and more the properties of our dreams.
With their guidance we finally found a property which people were calling the “Hidden Gem” a true retirement home of our dreams. With the great friendship of Steve & Keni Stelling, spending time looking for a property felt more like hanging with family than a sterile business relationship.
Brad & Cindy Basset
John & Connie ReeceFrom the very first day of listing to the closing day you were there beside us, never tiring of our endless questions. With your guidance we were able to complete the transaction in a timely manner and believe you were instrumental in negotiating a top dollar sale. Thanks again to you and your staff. It was indeed a pleasure working with you! Sincerely, John & Connie Reece
Brandon and Susan BubakMy wife and I are from out of state, and had been looking at Western Montana properties for quite a while. Being from far away, we felt it made sense to use several different realtors to make sure we got a full view of what was available, from multiple perspectives. Matt Arno was recommended to us relatively late in our planning, but to our good fortune he had no problem working with our schedule. Matt took the time to understand our wants and needs, and quickly narrowed down a list of candidate properties. While our luck with some of the other realtors was hit-and-miss, Matt quickly understood our key criteria and got us to a number of really good-fit properties. In addition to working hard to find properties that fit us well, Matt also took the time to really show them to us. His background in forestry and his knowledge of the area were incredibly helpful – we learned a ton and were much better prepared to make an informed purchase because of his efforts. Ultimately, Matt led us to the perfect parcel and we are now proud Montana landowners. He continued to provide a high level of service and communication through the entire process, making our long-distance transaction easy. Matt is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and sincere – we could not recommend him any more highly.
If anyone wants a phone recommendation feel free to give them my number.
Brandon and Susan Bubak
Elizabeth WhiteI highly recommend Matt Arno to anyone wanting to buy or sell property in Montana. His professionalism and experience make him a real asset and his forestry background was very helpful. Matt assisted us in finding a wonderful property that fit our needs and he also guided us through a complicated transaction. If you are looking for a special place of your own in Montana get in touch with Matt at Stelling & Associates.
Sharon and Norton CouronSteve & Keni
Just a note to let you know how great you and your whole team are to work with. Back in 2006 you helped us sell our home in Philipsburg and find the home we are in now. The buyer at that time was very difficult to deal with but you put us at ease throughout the process and acted as a buffer between us and an antagonistic buyer. Thank you so much for helping us through that.
Now you are helping us sell our home here in St. Ignatius so we can move back to the Seattle area to be closer to our growing family there. You Guys have been so great – always professional but you support us as if we were a part of your family.
On a business note – we especially appreciate your promotions of our property – attracting local as well as out-of-state prospects. We have had more showings than expected and although we have not yet had an offer, Steve always keeps us thinking positive.
Karl & Louise JoostStelling Real Estate has been, and continues to be the premier realty group in western Montana, in our opinion. The reasons are simple- Steve Stelling, Sr. and his family from western Montana, live, play and recreate here, and have a 35 year history of selling real estate in this area. They know what is available, often before it is on the market. When we were looking to move from California, seeking beauty in a rural Montana property, Steve showed us some really great places and helped us through the buy-sell contract and options that we wanted.
The group is very personable, non-pressuring, and helped us figure out what was the best for us and our family.
Ernie and Corinne BratcherWe recently bought a home in Hamilton, Montana and we selected the Stelling Real Estate company after meeting Steve Stelling through a friend of ours who highly recommended them. We have had the privilege of purchasing many properties both commercial and residential and the Stelling group was by far the most pleasant and helpful company we have ever worked with. If you are looking for property and desire to work with a most confident, professional and courteous company, the Stelling group is for you.