Thoughts on Columbia Falls STR Market

[Katrina Idstein]

Hi! Considering Columbia Falls for a STR investment. Any feedback is welcome.

Thanks! 

[Austin Elm]

Quote from @Jay Bunte:

Quote from @Austin Elm:

Columbia Falls is an up and coming community. A lot of development happening in the immediate downtown area. In terms of cash flow, it all depends on purchase price and specs of the property. The city is good at issuing STR permits. And it's a great area close to Glacier. I'd be happy to help you analyze a potential deal if you message me.

 If you had to focus on the best bang for the buck would you look at:

- Whitefish (closest to Big Mountain and skiing)

- Columbia Falls (neutral to Big Mountain and GNP)

- Coram (presumable cheaper cost and closet to GNP but further from Big Mountain)

In terms of bang for your buck, the closer you get to Whitefish Mountain Resort the better your overall bookings and ADRs will be for STR year round. When it comes to Columbia Falls, Coram, Hungry Horse, etc. they see tremendous activity in the summer, but kind of fall off in the winter time. 

I’ve seen property managers recommend doing STR in the summer months in these areas, and then switch to 6 month long term leases in the winter months.

Of course your ROI all depends on purchase price and you are going to find more reasonable prices in Cfalls, and east of the town than you would in the Whitefish market.