It’s Spring in the Ogden Valley

Valley- MayAs we are little more than a month away from the Summer Solstice, after a  cold and moderately wet April and early May, Spring has finally arrived in the Valley.  The hills are greening up to match the Valley floor, flowers are blooming everywhere, and Pineview Reservoir’s level is up (although still low).  The remaining snow on the peaks and upper elevations of Snowbasin complete the picture-postcard views of the stunning, idyllic beauty of our little slice of heaven.

The summer season is fast approaching, and there are questions to be answered related to the lasting effects of the pandemic.  Will the crowds return to the Valley this year as they did last summer as  Covid restrictions continue to be rolled back?  During the height of the crisis, the pent-up urge to get outside and recreate played a big factor, as did many family’s decision to vacation locally rather than risk flying or travelling long distances.  And of course many countries that are popular destinations were completely off-limits.  Due to this year’s low snow levels and drought conditions, the level of Pineview may remain well below normal, and this could impact the amount of boat traffic, which was extremely high last summer.

The good news – as the vaccination rate continues to rise, hospitalization and death rates decrease, and people begin to feel much safer that they did last summer, something approaching the “new normal” should make for a great summer!

Lisa’s Market Update – May 2021

The real estate market in the Ogden Valley, Mountain Green, and Ogden Bench remained strong through April, but for the first time in months a few selected statistics remained static or saw slight decreases.  At the same time, other categories showed significant increases consistent with an overall upward trend.

Single family home price per sq. ft. for properties sold in the Ogden Valley dropped from $293.00 in March to $271.00, but the median sales price jumped to $880,000 from $739,000.  18 properties were sold, compared to 7 in March.  There were 3 active listings of condo and town homes in the Valley in April, down from 6 in March, while the price per sq. ft. went up to $293.00 from $257.00.  Lack of inventory is still a major factor in the strong seller’s market.

In the Mountain Green area, the median price of single family homes sold in April increased to $848,000 from $540,000, and days on the market dropped dramatically from 80 to 4.

Along the Ogden Bench, price per sq. ft. remained constant at $169.00, as did days on the market at 5, while the median price of single family homes sold inched up slightly to $325.000 from $318,000.

MARKET UPDATE – April 2021 Real Estate Statistics

OVSF- Ogden Valley Singe Family; MGSF – Mountain Green Single Family; OBSF – Ogden Bench Single Family; OV C/T – Ogden Valley Condominiums & Townhomes

Prop. for Sale   Prop. Sold   Med. Days on Mkt.   Med. Price   Med. Sq. Ft.

OVSF          20                      18                       30                    $880,000       $271.00

MGSF          3                        6                         4                      $848,000       $199.00

OBSF          21                      43                        5                       $325,000       $169.00

OVC/T         3                        9                       12                       $453,000      $293.00

For comparative real estate statistics for all Utah ski resorts,  click here.

Just Listed- 6378 East Quail Lane, Huntsville

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6378 East Quail Lane, Huntsville 84317

In the heart of the magnificent beauty of the idyllic Ogden Valley, looking over Pineview Reservoir and just below Snowbasin Ski Resort, this stunning 5 bedroom/4 bath home comes substantially furnished and hosts a unique array of highlights throughout.

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After a day on the slopes, hiking or biking on trails just outside your door, boating or a round of golf…relax in the sauna, beside any of the three fireplaces, or on the large deck or patio.  All the gear and equipment you’ll use for the amazing recreational opportunities in the Valley can be stored in 3 large ceiling-attached shelving units in the 3 car garage.

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The home also showcases a world-class recording studio/media room designed and built by award-winning Carl Tatz Designs.  Constructed to be a sonically flawless listening room with a completely isolated acoustic environment for multiple audio media pursuits, the space is currently being used as a professional recording studio. Repurposed, you will have the ultimate zoom tele-conferencing facility for a podcast, internet radio station, home schooling, home office, or simply the best sound / acoustics in a theater room west of the Mississippi.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience all the renowned “Ogden Valley Lifestyle” has to offer.

 

Ogden Valley Real Estate Market Dynamics

Wolf Creek Photo

Wolf Creek Golf Course Now Open with Carts

Before I get into the dynamics of the red-hot Ogden Valley Real Estate Market, I would like to offer a sincere, heartfelt “Thank You” to all who participated in the recent online auction to benefit the Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports Foundation.  Due to your generosity and interest in this wonderful organization and cause – the auction was by far our most successful fundraising effort to date.

Now, to what’s behind the property market’s explosion over the past year.  First, a disclaimer.  I read and listen a lot.  And I’ve been in the real estate/property development business in the Valley for over twenty years.  But these are my opinions, based on some facts. But only opinions.

Covid has caused many individuals and families to want to leave the congestion of large cities.  Zoom calls and the efficiency of working from home has changed opinions on the need to always be in an office.  Or live near your office.  While many Americans have suffered significant financial hardship from the dynamics of the pandemic, others have prospered over the past year.  These include those who have been able to work remotely, are involved in industries that have prospered (think Amazon, bicycle shops), and investors holding the right securities.  Many of the properties in the Ogden Valley align in price with the resources of those who have prospered.  Travel, dining out, entertaining have all been put on hold, and savings accounts have grown.  As Valley properties have sold at a fast pace, inventory has dropped to levels that keep driving prices up.

So what is the outlook for the next year?  The dynamics listed above, that have created the explosive market, are still in place.  The vast majority of economists and financial experts expect the economy to boom, as the underlying fundamentals are sound and there will be a significant boost as Covid restrictions and the pandemics negative effects continue to lessen.  The Valley’s inventory should remain low as there are no spec homes and a limited number of new condos being built.  And although property prices in the Valley have climbed dramatically – we are still well behind other resort areas.  The average price per sq. ft. of single family homes sold in March in the Ogden Valley was $297.00, up from the $160.00 range only a year ago.  In the Park City/Deer Valley area, it was $932.00 per sq. ft.  This price differential is critical – means there is still a lot of room for Valley property values to increase.

All indications are the strength of the seller’s market will continue for the foreseeable future.

Lisa’s Market Update – April 2021

Single family home sales in the Ogden Valley in March jumped to almost $300 per sq. ft. at $293.00, an eye-popping 100% increase from late 2019/early 2020.  Real estate sales in the Mountain Green and Ogden Bench areas showed steady strength in March, but the Valley is clearly in an unprecedented boom.

The median sales price of single family homes in the Valley  continued to climb, to $739,000 from $710,000.  Condo and town home prices also jumped, to $491,000 from $436,000.

Along the Ogden bench area, the median sales price reached $318,000, up from $304,000, and the median price per sq. ft. increased to $170.00 from $158.00.

The seller’s real estate market shows no signs of slowing, particularly in the Ogden Valley.  Assuming the conventional wisdom is correct of an excellent economy over the next year as issues with Covid recede and fundamentals are sound, it’s hard to rationalize a change in trajectory.

MARKET UPDATE – March 2021 Real Estate Statistics

OVSF- Ogden Valley Singe Family; MGSF – Mountain Green Single Family; OBSF – Ogden Bench Single Family; OV C/T – Ogden Valley Condominiums & Townhomes

Prop. for Sale   Prop. Sold   Med. Days on Mkt.   Med. Price   Med. Sq. Ft.

OVSF          21                      7                       36                       $739,000       $293.00

MGSF          5                       6                       84                      $540,000       $209.00

OBSF          14                     36                        4                        $318,000       $170.00

OVC/T         6                      10                       12                       $491,000      $257.00

For comparative real estate statistics for all Utah ski resorts,  click here.

Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports Auction

Opening Doors OVAS logo

As a proud board member of the Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports Program, I have exciting news about our inaugural, virtual fundraising initiative “Opening Doors to the Outdoors.”

Adapting to Covid required our organization to find an alternative to the popular, highly successful “Demo Day” fundraiser that had become a iconic Saturday celebration each March at Snowbasin.  With the help of everyone appreciative of the wonderful work done by the Adaptive Sports Program, we are convinced the upcoming auction, March 26 through the 28th, will be an overwhelming success.

For over 11 years we have provided adaptive ski and snowboarding opportunities to persons with disabilities at Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Nordic Valley.  We serve persons with all ranges of physical and cognitive disabilities, from 5 to 98 years old, including local school children and military veterans.

All proceeds from this event will directly support our adaptive sports programs through purchasing of adaptive equipment and covering costs for participants in financial need.

More details and event registration to come, but check out the list below for a sneak peek of items that will be auctioned off!

Rossignol skis;  Atomic skis and bindings;  Icelantic skis;  Castle Valley River trip for 2; Sun Valley skiing getaway package incl. condo and lift tickets;  Private 2 hours snowshoe excursion for 4;  Wildlife Guided Tour for 2 in Yellowstone;  Men’s and Women’s jackets from Kuhl

 

Lisa’s Market Update – March 2021

February saw real estate sales statistics in the Ogden Valley continue the hot, upward trend of the past nine months.  But a big jump in inventory in single family homes along the Ogden Bench could mean that market is beginning to slow.

The price per sq. ft. for single family homes in the Ogden Valley jumped from$248.00 to $287.00, an all-time high.  Little more than a year ago the number was consistently below $200.00.  Median days on the market in the Valley dropped to 38 from 179, a strong indication of scarce inventory driving prices.  Sales of condos and townhomes in the Valley also showed statistical increases.  The median price per sq. ft. was $275.00, up from $267.00, and median days on the market dropped to an eye-popping 1 in February, from 3 in January.

Mountain Green single family home sales dropped from 39 median days on the market to only 10 days, while the median sales price rose to $918,000 from $870,000.

Most sales statistics for single family homes along the Ogden Bench stayed strong, even though the inventory jumped from 11 properties for sale in January to 28 in February.

MARKET UPDATE – February 2021 Real Estate Statistics

OVSF- Ogden Valley Singe Family; MGSF – Mountain Green Single Family; OBSF – Ogden Bench Single Family; OV C/T – Ogden Valley Condominiums & Townhomes

Prop. for Sale   Prop. Sold   Med. Days on Mkt.   Med. Price   Med. Sq. Ft.

OVSF          24                    10                       38                       $710,000       $287.00

MGSF          5                       2                       10                        $918,000       $228.00

OBSF           7                     28                         8                        $304,000       $158.00

OVC/T         4                      8                          1                       $436,000        $275.00

For comparative real estate statistics for all Utah ski resorts,  click here.

Powder Mountain Ski-In-Ski-Out Lot

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View Toward Timberline Lodge

Build your dream ski-in-ski-out home from this premiere lot at Powder Mountain Ski Resort. At the top of the private Powder Mountain West development, you’ll enjoy stunning 360 degree views and sunsets over the fabled Wasatch Range and the Sundown and Timberline lifts. Powder Mountain has the largest skiable terrain of any resort in North America and limits the number of passes.  You’ll be able to play in this uncrowded mecca of “the best snow on earth” –   from your door! The location is ideal for a full-time mountain lifestyle, a second vacation home, or a rental investment.  A four seasons resort, the summers offer spectacular hiking and mountain biking trails, acres of wildflowers, and perfect, cool weather.

Lot lines drawn over photo are for illustration only.

CLICK ON PHOTOS OR HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

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View Toward Sundown

Gorgeous Ski Home – 10 Minutes to Powder Mountain!

 

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Click photo above for link to property details

5753 East Elkhorn Drive, Eden

Located 10 minutes to Powder Mountain, with stunning views of Snowbasin, the peaks of the Wasatch mountains, located in Wolf Creek, Ogden Valley, this home has an open floor plan, spacious rooms, large windows, high ceilings, and plenty of light.  After a day of skiing Utah’s powder, relax in your in-home sauna, or curl up with a hot beverage in your home theatre and re-live your ski day videos or binge-watch your favorite show. Each guest or family member can retire to one of the six bedrooms – each with its own en-suite bath. The low-maintenance xeriscape landscaping will afford you the time to partake of world class snow skiing, golfing, boating, hiking, biking, fishing and all the recreational opportunities found in Ogden Valley.

Located only minutes from Snowbasin and Powder Mountain ski resorts and Pineview Reservoir, less than a half mile to the 1st tee, at Wolf Creek golf course and only an hour from SLC International airport.  The” Ogden Valley lifestyle” is renowned – this is a unique opportunity to own and experience it!

CLICK HERE FOR PROPERTY VIDEO

Lisa’s Market Update – February 2021

With a continuing, strong, upward trend through January in local real estate sales statistics, it’s becoming a good bet that underlying market dynamics are strong and might well continue.  The current,  powerful seller’s market could be with us for some time.

Covid has caused great interest in owning property in less congested areas, and the fact many folks can now work remotely makes the decision to buy easier than ever.  Although many in the workforce are seriously hurting as a result of the Covid-inspired recession, it is also true that those still working in high paying jobs or with selected investments, have done well financially over the past twelve months.  The latter group are the primary buyers of resort real estate.

Properties sold in the Ogden Valley once more showed some dramatic increases in January.  Media sales price for single family homes jumped from $790,000 to $932,000, and median price per sq. ft. increased from $239.00 to $248.00.  Sales of condo and townhomes in the Valley increased to 13 units from 8, and median sales price was $423,000, up from $261,000.  Single family homes median sales price in the Mountain Green area jumped to $870,000 from $700,000 and price per sq. ft. increased to $238.00 from $171.00.  Median sales price for single family home along the Ogden Bench was $305,000, up from $290,000, and median price per sq. ft. $159.00, up from $157.00.

MARKET UPDATE – January 2021

OVSF- Ogden Valley Singe Family; MGSF – Mountain Green Single Family; OBSF – Ogden Bench Single Family; OV C/T – Ogden Valley Condominiums & Townhomes

Prop. for Sale   Prop. Sold   Med. Days on Mkt.   Med. Price   Med. Sq. Ft.

OVSF          24                    11                      179                       $932,000       $248.00

MGSF          3                       2                       39                        $870,000       $238.00

OBSF          11                     33                         8                        $305,000       $159.00

OVC/T         5                     13                          3                       $423,000        $263.00

For comparative real estate statistics for all Utah ski resorts,  click here.