Real Estate

The Whitefish Lake Team – PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate

For 15 consecutive years, the Whitefish Lake Team has proudly held the title of Montana’s #1 top-producing premier real estate team, a distinction made possible by the trust and loyalty of our valued clients. Your confidence in us has been instrumental in our continued success, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent you.

As the #1 top-producing real estate team in Montana, we are also ranked 34th in the nation and among the top 1% of realtors nationwide. In 2025 alone, we achieved an outstanding $338 million in sales volume across 132 closed transactions. Over the past four years, we have successfully closed over $1+ billion in sales volume, a testament to our expertise, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

Our success extends beyond transactions—we take pride in cultivating long-term relationships with our buyers and sellers, providing them with an unparalleled real estate experience. From representing Montana’s most exclusive properties to offering award-winning marketing, statewide connections, and global exposure, our team delivers exceptional service and in-depth local knowledge to every client.

When you’re ready to buy or sell in Montana, trust the Whitefish Lake Team for a results-driven approach backed by integrity, experience, and proven success. Your dream property awaits—let us help you find it.

Check out the Pure West Christie's website and begin the search for your dream home today!

Whitefish Lake Team / #1 Team in Montana

Sean Averill, Realtor/Owner | 406.862.4900 | [email protected]

Sean Averill is a fifth-generation Montana native and lifelong Flathead Valley resident with more than 25 years of experience in real estate, development, and business leadership. Raised on the shores of Flathead Lake at the renowned Averill Dude Ranch, known as Flathead Lake Lodge, Sean’s connection to Northwest Montana runs deep. His family has owned and operated the property since 1945.

A graduate of the University of Montana’s School of Business Administration, Sean began his real estate career in 2000 and was named the Northwest Montana Association of REALTORS® Rookie of the Year in 2001. That same year, he launched the Whitefish office of Trails West Real Estate, eventually helping expand the company to 19 offices across Montana and into North Idaho.

Sean’s entrepreneurial experience extends well beyond real estate sales. In 2005, he completed the development of The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, which he continues to own and operate as Montana’s only AAA Four Diamond resort. His development background also includes residential subdivisions and commercial projects throughout the state.

In 2013, Sean purchased PureWest Real Estate and, in 2015, led the merger of Trails West and West Venture Properties, helping create what has become the #1 real estate brokerage in Montana, based on RealTrends Verified residential sales volume rankings.

For more than 15 years, Sean Averill has ranked as Montana’s #1 real estate agent by sales volume, as reported by RealTrends, a nationally recognized independent real estate rankings organization. He is also a member of the Whitefish Lake Team, the #1 real estate team in Montana and a nationally ranked team in the top 1% of real estate professionals.

Recognized as one of the top luxury real estate agents in Whitefish and Northwest Montana, Sean specializes in Whitefish luxury real estate, Whitefish Lake homes and waterfront properties, luxury ranches, resort properties, and distinctive high-end real estate throughout the Flathead Valley and Northwest Montana.

Sean combines decades of local market knowledge with extensive development and business experience and innovative national and international marketing strategies. His lifelong connection to the Flathead Valley, along with his experience buying, selling, developing, and owning real estate, provides his clients with a perspective that extends well beyond that of a traditional real estate agent.

When he’s not working with clients or leading his businesses, Sean takes full advantage of the Montana lifestyle. His favorite pursuits include snow and water sports, mountain biking, and snow skiing. Sean also coaches youth baseball and football.

Crystal Krause, Realtor/Owner | 406.253.0161 | [email protected]

After graduating from Flathead High School and exploring the U.S., Crystal knew the Flathead Valley was where she wanted to settle. Her real estate career began with over 15 years in the Title and Escrow industry, progressing from Escrow Assistant to County Manager. She transitioned to real estate as a Transaction Manager and Realtor® with the Whitefish Lake Team, Montana’s top real estate team. Known for providing exceptional customer service, her aim is to exceed client expectations with expertise, professionalism, and clear communication. Outside of work, Crystal stays active with her son, skiing, golfing, and enjoying everything Montana has to offer.

Cjay Clark, Realtor/Owner | 970.209.1050 | [email protected]

Cjay Clark is a proud Montana Native whose family has been involved in the Hospitality industry for five generations. With experience working as a licensed real estate agent in both Colorado and Montana, Cjay knows the ins and outs of resort towns. He is also the owner of an up and coming development in downtown Whitefish. When he isn’t working, Cjay is a proud father of two with a strong passion for travel, flying, education, and the Montana outdoors lifestyle.

Matt Buckmaster, Broker | 406.261.8350 | [email protected]

Matt, a Florida native, relocated to Whitefish after college and has excelled in the real estate industry since 1998. Known for his client-focused approach and in-depth market knowledge, he has played a key role in developing Whitefish's most prestigious subdivisions and selling some of its finest properties. A recipient of several accolades, including the "Thirty Under Thirty" award and the International Presidents Circle Award, Matt has been the top Coldwell Banker Realtor in Montana for over 12 years. Currently with PureWest Real Estate, he has consistently been their top sales agent. Outside of work, Matt enjoys skiing, water sports, fishing with his daughters, Emily and Sydney, and golfing, including a hole-in-one at the Iron Horse tournament in 2008.