From Startup to Steel Worx: Building a Custom Fabrication Business in Montana

Billings Real Estate Market 2026: Buyer Tips, Costs & What to Expect

In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Lee Rindahl of eXp Realty to talk about navigating today’s Billings real estate market, what first-time buyers should expect, and how her background in marketing gives her clients an edge. With experience in marketing and advertising prior to real estate, Jamie brings a strategic approach to helping buyers and sellers—focusing on relationships, education, and finding the right solution for each client. In this conversation, we cover: 🏡 Jamie’s background in marketing and how it translates into real estate success 📈 How the Billings market has shifted since 2020 and what that means for buyers and sellers 💰 Why home prices have risen significantly and where they may be heading ⚖️ The challenge of balancing buyer expectations (2008 mindset) vs seller expectations (2020 mindset) 📊 Why 2026 may be a year of stabilization in the housing market 🏠 The difference between renting and owning—and when it makes sense to make the move 💸 Hidden costs of homeownership most buyers don’t think about (repairs, insurance, taxes, maintenance) 📉 Why affordability isn’t just about interest rates—it’s about the full financial picture 🧾 Loan options explained, including FHA, VA, rural development, and assistance programs 🎯 Why first-time buyers need a plan—not just a budget 🤝 The importance of interviewing your agent and building a strategy together 📍 Jamie’s wide service area across Billings and throughout Montana 🌆 What makes Billings a strong, community-driven place to live and invest Whether you're a first-time home buyer, currently renting, or thinking about selling, this episode gives you a realistic and practical look at how to approach the market in 2026. ---------------------------------------- 📍 Connect with Jamie Lee Rindahl 📞 Phone → 406-591-0500 🌐 Website → jamierindahl.exprealty.com [http://jamierindahl.exprealty.com] 🌐 River’s Edge Realty → Boutique site mentioned in episode 📱 Social → Facebook & Instagram (primary platforms) ---------------------------------------- 🎙 Follow the Podcast Website → yourhomebillings.com [http://yourhomebillings.com] Instagram → @yourhomebillings [https://www.instagram.com/yourhomebillings] Facebook → @yourhomebillings [https://www.facebook.com/yourhomebillings] ---------------------------------------- 👍 Like this episode 💬 Comment your biggest home buying or selling question 🔔 Subscribe for more Billings & Montana real estate insights

What It Takes to Succeed in Billings Real Estate

In this episode, we sit down with Brenda Mills of Keller Williams to discuss her journey into real estate, what it takes to succeed in today’s Billings market, and how she helps both buyers and sellers navigate the process. After spending 10 years as a hairstylist, Brenda made the leap into real estate full-time—driven by the desire to better support her family and build a flexible, high-growth career. Since then, she’s quickly built momentum, closing dozens of deals and developing a reputation for hands-on service and strong client relationships. In this conversation, we cover: 🏡 Brenda’s transition from hairstylist to full-time real estate agent 💼 Why she chose Keller Williams and the value of a supportive brokerage 📸 How she helps sellers stand out with cleaning, prep work, and strategic improvements 🔧 Why small upgrades (paint, repairs, cleaning) can help homes sell faster 📈 Her rapid growth in real estate, including closing 43 deals in a year 🎯 Her goal to scale to 80 deals and what it takes to grow in this industry 🤝 The importance of teamwork and cooperation between buyer and seller agents 💡 Why mindset and consistency matter more than market conditions ⚠️ The biggest mistake buyers make—getting too emotional or unrealistic on price 💰 Why sellers shouldn’t over-invest in upgrades without consulting an agent 📞 Why the first step to buying a home is simply reaching out and starting the conversation 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The reality of being a realtor—long hours, sacrifices, and constant availability 🌆 What makes Billings a great place to live, work, and raise a family Whether you're buying your first home, selling your current one, or just curious about the local market, this episode gives a real, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed in real estate—and how the right agent can make all the difference. ---------------------------------------- 📍 Connect with Brenda Mills 📞 Phone → 406-200-3198 📱 Facebook → Message directly via her profile ---------------------------------------- 🎙 Follow the Podcast Website → yourhomebillings.com [http://yourhomebillings.com] Instagram → @yourhomebillings Facebook → @yourhomebillings ---------------------------------------- 👍 Like this episode 💬 Comment your biggest real estate question 🔔 Subscribe for more Billings & Montana real estate insights

How to Buy a Home in Billings | Credit, Loans & First-Time Buyer Tips

In this episode, we sit down with mortgage loan officer Doug Ross to break down what first-time home buyers in Billings need to know before starting the home buying process. With over a decade of experience and a background in engineering and project management, Doug brings a structured, education-first approach to lending—helping buyers understand their options, avoid costly mistakes, and feel confident throughout the process. In this conversation, we cover: 🏡 Why you don’t need perfect credit to qualify for a home loan 📊 The truth about credit scores (FHA vs conventional requirements) 💡 Why getting pre-approved before house hunting is critical 💸 How monthly payments determine your real buying power ⏳ How long pre-approvals last and what can invalidate them ⚠️ The 3 biggest mistakes home buyers make during the loan process 🚗 Why major purchases (like buying a car) can hurt your approval 📈 How credit, income, and assets determine your loan options 💰 Down payment myths—including options with little or no money down 🧾 The difference between pre-qualification vs pre-approval 📉 How interest rates are trending and what to expect in 2026 🤝 Why communication and education make or break the lending experience 🌎 The advantage of working with a mortgage broker vs a traditional bank Whether you’re just starting to think about buying a home or already looking, this episode gives you a clear, step-by-step understanding of how the lending process works—and how to set yourself up for success. ---------------------------------------- 📍 Connect with Doug Ross 📞 Phone → 916-259-6302 📧 Email → ross.doug@outlook.com [ross.doug@outlook.com] 🌐 Website / Social → Available via direct contact ---------------------------------------- 🎙 Follow the Podcast Website → yourhomebillings.com [http://yourhomebillings.com] Instagram → @yourhomebillings Facebook → @yourhomebillings ---------------------------------------- 👍 Like this episode 💬 Comment your biggest home buying question 🔔 Subscribe for more Billings & Montana real estate insights

Windows, Doors & Energy Efficiency: What Billings Homeowners Should Know

In this episode, we sit down with Brett DiPasquale of Reynolds Window and Door [https://www.reynoldswindowanddoor.com/] to talk about how his business grew from one man in a truck into a trusted Billings company serving hundreds of customers each year. With roots going back to 1993, Brett shares how he built his company through persistence, customer care, and a focus on doing quality work the right way. He also explains why Reynolds Window and Door [https://www.reynoldswindowanddoor.com/] has carved out a unique place in the market by specializing in windows and doors rather than trying to do everything. In this conversation, we cover: 🛠 How Brett got started in 1993 and grew Reynolds from humble beginnings 🏢 How Reynolds Window and Door became a full dealership after years of installation work 📍 Their service area across Billings, Yellowstone County, northern Wyoming, and beyond 🔧 The types of services they offer, including replacement windows, doors, hardware, repairs, glass, storm doors, and service work 🏠 Why being invited into someone’s home is a privilege and how customer care drives the business 📈 How the company has seen steady growth over the years, and what helped fuel business in 2025 🌩 The impact hailstorms, remodeling, and new construction have had on demand 🚪 Why front door replacement may be one of the best ROI projects for homeowners 💸 Why shoppers should get multiple opinions before replacing windows or doors 🌬 Common window problems homeowners face, including drafts, failed seals, and outdated single-pane units ⚡ What homeowners should know about modern energy efficiency, including low E coatings, triple-pane glass, and new vacuum glass technology 🧠 Why specialized installation matters and how improper installation often causes long-term service issues 📊 What homeowners should expect in 2026 as the window and door industry continues to change 🌱 Why Brett believes in constant and unending improvement in business and customer service Whether you're replacing old windows, upgrading your front door, improving your home's energy efficiency, or just want to understand your options before starting a project, this episode offers practical insight from a longtime local expert. ---------------------------------------- 📍 CONNECT WITH BRETT DIPASQUALE / REYNOLDS WINDOW AND DOOR 📞 Phone → 406-259-5581 📍 Showroom → 9th and Broadwater 🌐 Website → Reynolds Window and Door via Google/showroom contact mentioned in transcript ---------------------------------------- 🎙 FOLLOW THE PODCAST Website → yourhomebillings.com [http://yourhomebillings.com] Instagram → @yourhomebillings [https://www.instagram.com/yourhomebillings] Facebook → @yourhomebillings [https://www.facebook.com/yourhomebillings] ---------------------------------------- 👍 Like this episode 💬 Comment your biggest window or door question 🔔 Subscribe for more Billings home improvement and real estate insights

How to Sell Your Home for More in Billings | Data-Driven Strategy That Works

In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Johnston of DECO Realty [https://deco-realty.com/agents/Shawn-Johnston/8613531] to break down what it really takes to successfully sell a home in today’s Billings market. With a strong focus on data-driven strategy and seller education, Shawn shares how his approach differs from traditional real estate—and why pricing, timing, and marketing are the biggest factors in getting top dollar for your home. In this conversation, we cover: 📍 The Billings market today and why it’s more “nuanced” than most people think 📊 Why relying on real-time data matters more than past sales 💰 The biggest pricing mistake sellers make (and how it costs them thousands) ⚡ How the 72-hour strategy predicts whether your home will sell 🏡 Why creating urgency leads to multiple offers and higher sale prices 📉 The truth about waiting for the market to “crash” 📆 Why listing in spring might actually hurt your sale 🎯 How strategic marketing (not “post and pray”) changes everything 🤝 The importance of honesty and trust when choosing a real estate agent 🧠 The difference between being a real estate agent vs. actually selling homes Whether you're thinking about selling, curious about the market, or want to understand how to maximize your home’s value, this episode gives you a clear, strategic look at how to do it right. ---------------------------------------- 📍 CONNECT WITH SHAWN JOHNSTON 🌐 Website → https://deco-realty.com/ [https://deco-realty.com/] 🌐 72 Sold Info → http://www.soldin72mt.com [http://www.soldin72mt.com] 📧 Email → shawn@deco-realty.com [shawn@deco-realty.com] 📞 Phone → 406-702-3949 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-johnston [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-johnston] ---------------------------------------- 🎙 FOLLOW THE PODCAST Website → yourhomebillings.com [http://yourhomebillings.com] Instagram → @yourhomebillings [https://www.instagram.com/yourhomebillings] Facebook → @yourhomebillings [https://www.facebook.com/yourhomebillings] ---------------------------------------- 👍 Like this episode 💬 Comment your biggest home selling question 🔔 Subscribe for more Billings & Montana real estate insights ---------------------------------------- #BillingsMontana #BillingsMT #BillingsRealEstate #MontanaRealEstate #HomeSellingTips #SellYourHome #RealEstateStrategy #HousingMarket #MontanaLiving #YourHomeBillings #ListingAgent #HomeSelling #RealEstatePodcast