The Making it in Big Sky series is sponsored by the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and written by the Explore Big Sky staff.  

 

The Agency is a global real estate agency that opened its doors in Big Sky in 2023, shortly after its initial arrival in Montana—an office in Bozeman in 2022. For this Making it in Big Sky, Explore Big Sky spoke with Joy Vance, The Agency, Big Sky’s managing partner and founder.

Vance leads with humor, grace and her knowledge of the local luxury real estate market, closing more than $50 million worth of real estate in 2021. She was named among the Top 10 Bozeman Realtors by the Gallatin Association of Realtors in 2020 and 2021 and prides herself on her strong network of repeat clientele. From turnkey vacation homes to new builds, ground-up developments and investment opportunities, Vance takes pride in guiding clients no matter where they are in their real estate journey. She also represents sales for the new Hotel Bozeman & Residences, Autograph Collection, a 34-residence condominium development, the city’s first and only custom-designed full-service hotel and residences.

Outside of work, Vance is a devoted community member supporting several local nonprofits including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Haven and Eagle Mount.

 

This series is part of a paid partnership with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. The following answers have been edited for brevity.

 

Explore Big Sky: Let’s start with a bit about you—when did you first come to Big Sky and what brought you here?

Joy Vance: I graduated from Montana State University here several years ago. I love southwest Montana and all that it offers in terms of recreation and lifestyle.

EBS: When did you join The Agency?

JV: We opened the Bozeman office in November 2022 and Big Sky in September 2023.

EBS: Tell me a bit about The Agency, what sets you guys apart from other real estate agencies in town?

JV: The Agency was founded by real estate agents for real estate agents. We got our start in 2011 by a team of people who aspired and modernize the real estate experience. The Agency set out to foster a culture of partnership, where our agents could share their knowledge and expertise. This notion was the basis of The Agency’s founding principle: collaboration. This approach enhanced client representation and forever altered the industry to create a better experience for agents and clients alike.

EBS: Tell me about The Agency team; how many of you are there and what expertise can buyers and sellers expect?

JV: Our team includes about 17 agents. The Agency has evolved into a driving force of global real estate sales. As one of the world’s most-followed residential brokerages on social media with an average of 68,000 global impressions per post, this is an area we excel in. We believe no two properties are alike and each has a story to tell.

EBS: What is your favorite thing about working in Big Sky, especially when it comes to helping new homeowners?

JV: Real estate isn’t just business, it’s personal. Each individual has a story; a vision for their life. I believe it is a real estate agents’ job to take that story and bring it to life.

EBS: Anything else you’d like to tell the Big Sky community?

JV: If you’re in the market to buy or sell property, get in touch! You can find me at joyvanceandco.com/ and https://www.theagencyre.com/agent/joy-vance