Historical Ogden and Ogden Valley are premier vacation and second home destinations, say local Realtors, who predict that the area is pulling out of its buyer's slump.

"Nestled at the base of the majestic Wasatch Mountain Range," says Realtor Bobbie Clark, "Ogden is a historic railroad town. Proud of its charming period homes and its progressive downtown redevelopment, Ogden attracted the 2002 Winter Olympics Downhill and Curling events. Adjacent to the national forest, Ogden has many hiking trails overlooking the Great Salt Lake, multiple ski resorts within 20-30 minutes of downtown, and fishing in two rivers. Ogden has an abundance of cultural events sponsored by the city, Weber State University, Ballet West, the Symphony, Sundance Film Festival, and other sponsors entertain visitors and residents year-round. Fine dining can be found on historic 25th Street and surrounding towns. There are lovely new and restored hotels, a downtown convention center, ice rink, top notch hospitals, and a new public transportation hub."

About the market, Clark suggests, "There are good buys available. There are fewer foreclosures and HUD homes available for first-time homeowners, but there are better buys and terms in the existing home market with less issues to be addressed. Plenty of homes available in Ogden are under $100,000. This is a great time for renters to buy their first home even if they don't have any down payment or closing costs saved. To take advantage of this market for the best interest rates, buyers should act now. The local economy is good and unemployment is low, therefore, mortgage rates have decreased at bit, but are expected to inch up. Without stellar credit, mortgages are available at a bit higher interest rate."

Says Realtor Darrell Beitelspacher, "Ogden has a small town atmosphere with smaller ranches and farming within 10-20 miles. Wonderful outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, boating, and skiing all within a 10 to 45 minute drive."

He adds, "The market may be considered somewhat of a buyer's market, however homes that are in good and updated condition are selling within 90-120 days. Winter may be considered more of a seller's market as there is less competition. November and December both were very strong in sales with existing homes being included in this upsurge along with new construction. Still some decent homes in the foreclosure and shortsale market."

Ogden Valley

"Ogden Valley is the recreation destination for Northen Utah, for lakes and skiing, and it's a one-hour drive to Park City, Salt Lake, and the International Airport," says Realtor Richard Manley. "Live in a undeveloped resort area close to all that Northern Utah has to offer."

Manley explains, "The real estate market in Northern Utah reflects a steady increase in housing prices and total number of sales, with a drop in average days on the market. These trends could signal a change from a buyer's market toward a seller's market for the area. The three-county area of Davis, Morgan, and Weber Counties gives the home buyer a unique opportunity to pick a home close to work and shopping, or in a recreational area such as Ogden Valley. The Weber county market is divided by the Wasatch Front with Greater Ogden on the west side of the Front, and Ogden Valley on the east side.

"Ogden Valley's three ski resorts, two lakes, golf courses, and miles of snowmobile and cross-country skiing make this the recreation destination for all three counties," he continues. "Real estate growth is steady and tending toward a recreational community. The second home market is very active and increasing, both in number of sales and price of homes. Asking price per square foot is significantly higher in the resort areas."

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Published: February 24, 2005

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