Melissa Collins Realtor

06/02/2026

Back with another 🏔️

Montanans have seen it on Highway Patrol patches, patrol cars, and countless pieces of Montana memorabilia—but what does **3-7-77** actually mean?

The truth is, nobody knows for sure.

One theory traces it back to the Montana Vigilantes of the 1870s and 1880s, a citizen group that helped protect Virginia City and Bannack from outlaws and lawlessness. The numbers were allegedly painted on a criminal's tent or cabin as a warning to leave town.

Another popular legend claims the numbers represent the dimensions of a grave: **3 feet wide, 7 feet long, and 77 inches deep**.

Others believe it was a message that an outlaw needed to purchase a **$3 ticket** on the next **7:00 a.m. stagecoach** for the **77-mile journey from Helena to Butte**—or leave the territory.

Whatever its true origin, **3-7-77** has become one of Montana's most recognizable symbols and has proudly appeared on Montana Highway Patrol patches and vehicles since the 1950s.

What's your favorite theory behind Montana's most famous numbers? 👇

05/18/2026

It's y'all 🏔️

Did you know that during the last Ice Age, a massive sheet of ice — nearly 20 miles wide — became lodged in the Idaho panhandle, blocking the Clark Fork River and creating glacial Lake Missoula. 🌊

At its peak, the lake reached an astonishing 4,250 feet above sea level — more than 1,000 feet higher than present-day Missoula. Eventually, the immense pressure caused the ice dam to fail, unleashing one of the most catastrophic floods in Earth’s history.

The landscape of western Montana still carries the marks of this incredible event today. ⛰️

05/18/2026

✨Something exciting is happening in Victor ✨

Bitterroot People's Market....

Victor Parks Board is happy to announce, we heard the need for the Market, and we are happy to comply! Our FIRST Market will be June 4th, in Victor Park. The hours it will be open are from 4pm-7pm. The Market will run every Thursday through the end of September, with the exception of August 6th, due to set up for Victor Days.

The Market will be open to:
Home-Baked
Home-Grown (includes flowers, vegetables, & meat)
Handmade Crafts
Hand Crafted items
This includes Authors of the Bitterroot and Artisans of the Bitterroot.
Also includes 501C who are doing fundraising.

You must reside in the Bitterroot to sell at the Market.

We're looking forward to seeing YOU June 4th in Victor Park!

If you would like to be a vendor, please message us and we will send you information to become a vendor.

05/15/2026

The Real Estate industry often celebrates volume.
More deals.
More transactions.
More "units closed".
But somewhere along the way, people started believing bigger always means better.

For me, success had never been about being the biggest agent in the room. It's about being present, accessible, and giving my clients an experience that feels personal from start to finish.

I want my clients to know:
I answer the phone.
I show up. (Sometimes with a baby on my hip)
I know the details of your home inside and out.
I care deeply about the people I work with.

There is room in this industry for agents who choose relationships over volume and who believe clients are more than just another file on someone's desk and I'm proud to be one of them.

05/13/2026

✨ A Little Reintroduction ✨

Hi, I’m Melissa Hood Collins — for those who are new here or for anyone who’s been along for the ride awhile, I thought I’d reintroduce myself. I’m a proud 4th generation Montanan, born and raised Bitterrooter, and a graduate of Hamilton High School. I earned my bachelor’s degree in History from Montana State University Billings, so my roots here run deep.

I’m also a busy mom to my three littles — Maxine, Lennon, and Booker — who keep my life fun, loud, and full of adventure. When I’m not chasing kids around, you’ll usually find me volunteering as President of the Hamilton Youth Baseball & Softball Association, loving on our golden retrievers, or spending time with our mini ponies Spicy & Sugar.🐴⚾🐴

Growing up in the Bitterroot Valley gave me a deep appreciation for home, community, and the people who make Montana special. Because of that, I truly value the trust people place in me during their homeownership journey. Whether you’re buying your first home, finding room to grow, or putting down roots in this beautiful valley, I’m here to help guide you every step of the way. 🤍

Thanks for being here and following along — I’m grateful for this community and all the connections this career has brought into my life.

05/11/2026

It’s , where I get to put my love of history — and my History degree — to use with a little Montana trivia.
Did you know the Montana Yogo Sapphire is the only American gem represented in England’s Crown Jewels?
Known for its striking cornflower-blue color, the Yogo Sapphire is found exclusively in Yogo Gulch in the Little Belt Mountains of Montana. Its remarkable clarity, rarity, and naturally consistent color made it highly sought after in the early 1900s, especially in England’s royal jewelry circles.
Often called the “Great American Sapphire,” Yogo Sapphires became famous for their uniform color and rarity — helping secure Montana a unique place in gemstone history.

04/25/2026

✨Big news✨
I've officially hung my license with Cornerstone Realty and couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter.

As a Bitterroot Valley native, I’m proud to be raising my family Under the Big Sky and staying deeply connected to this community—serving as president of the Hamilton Youth Baseball and Softball Association.

Real estate is more than a transaction to me—it’s about helping people find where they truly belong. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s get you home. 🏠

02/03/2026

122 Harry Court, Hamilton MT

◾️New to the Market◾️
◾️Ready for a new ✨OWNER✨◾️

Fresh to market
Offered at $439,000
New roof ✅
Freshly painted siding ✅
Single level ✅
Fully fenced back yard ✅
Attached garage ✅
3 bedroom/ 2 bathrooms ✅
Convenient location ✅
Close to all things Hamilton ✅
Proudly listed by Double Black Diamond Real Estate
DM us “Harry” for more details.
Call or text to set up a showing today.

01/12/2026

I think I finally understand those tourists in trying to touch the buffalo 🦬.

01/04/2026

🏡 Open House Tomorrow!
Sunday, Jan 4 • 12:30–2:00 PM

235 4th St E #203, Missoula
✨ 1 bed | 1 bath | Downtown Living ✨
Affordable, permanent condo right in the heart of Missoula! ❤️

Secure building—call or text for a private tour. Don’t miss your chance to see this gem!
AffordableLiving