Posts

Earth Day is coming up! Check out the link at the end of the article to see all the Verde Valley Earth Day events.
 
Do you know how this celebration began?
 
In the late 60s and early 70s, air pollution caused by factories and car exhaust was considered the ‘smell’ of prosperity. Americans were pretty much oblivious to environmental concerns.
 
But people were reading Rachel Carson’s best-seller, Silent Spring, and by 1970, there was a small environmental movement, and people were becoming more aware of the links between pollution and public health.
 
The founder of Earth Day, Gaylord Nelson, was a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, and he was inspired to make changes after witnessing the ravages of a...

Myths about Real Estate Agents
 
Unless you’ve worked closely with an agent – especially if you have done a long-term house search – you may not know how hard they work, how many hours they put in, and how much they have to know and be responsible for to do their jobs.
 
Yet some people consider this career choice an easy one, leading to a life of luxury. Sure, there are some successful realtors dealing only with luxury real estate that may seem to be living the dream, but in truth, most realtors work a ton of hours for their success.
 
Let’s look at some myths that a lot of people believe.
 
1.   Agents make a lot of money. The truth is, a six-figure income is not the norm. In all honesty, the s...

Everyone always points to ‘location’ as the biggest influence on home values. In fact, the phrase, “location, location, location,” is widely recognized despite some controversy as to who actually coined the phrase. One theory is that the late Lord Harold Samuel, a real estate tycoon in Britain in the 50s and 60s, said it first: ‘There are three things that matter in property: location, location, location.’ 
 
Of course, location is extremely important, as both residents and would-be residents of Sedona well know. House Canary, a real estate predictive analytics firm, lists five ‘hidden’ influences on home values.
 
Several factors can impact price that may seem less obvious. The first is the...

According to the Buy vs Rent Index, which is published by Florida Atlantic University, home prices are beginning to top out. One of the creators of this index indicates this is a good thing. Economist Ken Johnson says, “Housing markets are slowing, suggesting that we are nearing a peak in housing markets around the U.S.—but this is good news, as we are pulling back from the brink, unlike we did in 2007.”
 
This index measures 23 metropolitan areas, and according to another of its creators, Eli Beracha, a professor at Florida International University, as well as a co-publisher of the index, indicates that although prices are above their 40-year trend, they are not as high as they were in 20...

In our final exploration of cryptocurrencies, we’ll look at the viability of investing in say, Bitcoin, rather than a second home or other real estate venture.
 
For most people, their home is the biggest investment they’ll ever make. After all, real estate rarely goes down in value. But cryptocurrency appears to be another viable investment option.
 
But, the jury is still out. Depending on the source, cryptocurrency is either an excellent investment, or should be considered high risk and speculative.
 
In 2017, these digital currencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, produced a staggering 445% in total returns through the first half of the year, outpacing more traditional assets such as real...

Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin                      
 
Is Bitcoin one of those terms you keep hearing about, but you have no idea what it is or how it works? You’re not alone!
 
Bitcoin is the most popular brand of cryptocurrency. It was invented in 2009 by a group or programmers, or an anonymous one – no one knows for sure – who wanted a ‘peer-to-peer electronic cash system.’ It is completely decentralized – there are no servers involved, and no central controlling authority. Think of it as a peer network for file sharing.
 
Bitcoin uses the Blockchain to verify that each participant in the Bitcoin network does what they’re supposed to. There’s another term that keeps coming up. Blockchain is a publi...

Most people have heard of Bitcoin, but do you know what cryptocurrency is?

Over the next few days, we’ll explore this phenomenon, define the terms, and take a look at it through investors’ eyes. Real estate has always been a good investment, and continues to be. But now there are additional options.

So, what is it? Basically, cryptocurrency is a digital, or virtual currency designed to provide a means of exchange between two or more parties. It requires cryptography, or specific coding, to secure and verify transactions, or to create new units of a particular cryptocurrency.

To confirm a currency transaction between two parties requires solving this cryptographic puzzle. Traditio...

Sedona is known as an arts town, attracting artists from all over the world to make this their home. This is great for tourists as well, being able to view or purchase world-class art in addition to enjoying the weather and the stunning scenery.

Now, the new Sedona Conservatory will train and develop exceptional artists from around the world, preparing them for future careers or helping them to hone their craft. But it will also provide creative development and performance opportunities for both residents and visitors.

Their mission: Sedona Conservatory exists to inspire greatness in human expression, to unleash and refine artistic creativity, and to preserve, celebrate, and full ...

Some say that the swirling or twisted trees we see growing out of the red rocks are due to the powerful vortex energy in the area.

You’ll see many twisted trees, and maybe even some colored orbs, at the Airport Mesa Vortex Site, which will also provide breathtaking views in all directions. It does require some vertical hiking, but the views are worth it. Explore this site, which is only a mile away from Uptown Sedona.

Another main site - Bell Rock - is one of the most famous landmarks and hiking spots in Sedona. It is also considered to be very powerful – full of vortex energy. You see Bell Rock if you enter Sedona through the Village of Oak Creek, coming up the 179. Parking can be a ch...

Sedona is known for its endless beauty - the red rocks, the forests, the streams. But did you know that people travel here from all over the globe to experience the mysterious energy forces that seem to emanate from the red rocks themselves?

They come to Sedona in search of vortexes. But, what is a vortex?

Science defines a vortex as a region that spins around an imaginary axis. Examples of this include whirlpools, smoke rings, or dust devils.

Sedona is known for a different type - an energy vortex, which is a swirling center of energy that is conducive to meditation, healing, and self-exploration. Simply put, there are places around the world that seem especially alive with energy, an...

Do you or anyone you know need a home? Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity has announced its FIRST HOME BUILDERS BLITZ in Sedona.

Applicants must attend a mandatory workshop. Please share.

Details here: 
https://www.vvhabitat.org/sedona-homeowner-application-wor…/

We are so fortunate to have the BEST Clients. Check out our newest review.

"Contacted Jan to look at a few homes in Sedona and after looking at a number of options decided to purchase land and build instead. Jan was very patient with us and completely understood what we were looking for and the type of surroundings that would be important to us. We closed yesterday on our future home site and Jan and Wally made the process easy and handled the due diligence issues effectively and efficiently. Jan introduced us to our architect and contractor and we can't wait to get started building in Sedona."

SDHeims
86336

What a great event! They always have such a wonderful line up of films, and the people are almost as much fun to watch as the movies. To register, or just to check it out, go to their website at www.sedonafilmfestival.org

There is still time to register for this year's Sedona Marathon. However, it is to late to start training for it, if you haven't already. And that's why they call it the Sedona Marathon Event. You can choose to go 5K or 10k, and even walk if that suits you better, while enjoying the magnificent Sedona views. It is happening on Saturday, February 3. Just go to www.sedonamarathon.com to register

As I've lamented in the past, the inventory of Sedona homes for sale in the $450,000 - $650,000 range is at an all time low. And when a good one comes on the market, it will often get multiple offers within the first couple of days. Just yesterday I showed clients a home that was available in the morning, they loved it and were ready to write an offer, but by the time we got back to the office, it was under contract. One of the lessons here is that in this market, you may have to build a home in order to get what you want.

The good news is that land prices still have not fully recovered form the 2008 crash, and offer a lot of value. A great example is our listing in Cross Creek Ranch. Th...

We brought this one to market just yesterday, and already have four showings scheduled. Because of its quality, location, price and potential as a vacation rental, we expect it will go very quickly.

25 Santa Barbara Drive
Sedona, AZ

MLS# 515125 - Residential

Located in the heart of West Sedona this 1994 sq ft, single level home has everything you need for easy living. Soaring, beamed ceilings with windows of glass capture the light from 3 sides of the home while showcasing Thunder Mountain and the red rocks. Improvements are many beginning with a remodeled kitchen, new appliances, new light fixtures and fans, cement/tile roof, new Trex deck and railings, new garage door, as wel...

This home has it all. Schedule a showing today!

75 Whitetail Lane
Sedona, AZ

MLS# 515092 - Residential

Centrally located, this contemporary Santa Fe home lives like a 5 Star Resort. Dramatic soaring ceilings highlight an elegant winding staircase leading to a loft with built in wet bar & wine fridge. Please note - -entry and all main living on one level! Use loft as a spacious entertainment area with spectacular views or as an artist studio, game room, or home office. Walls of custom glass encircle the loft opening up panoramic red rock views, & cascading light to the great room below. Home has split bedroom floor plan. Mstr bdrm has kiva gas fireplace, jetted tub & separate op...

I have mentioned in the past that there is a shortage of long term rental properties in Sedona. This shortage is the result of many rental properties being converted to vacation rentals. The Sedona City Council has expressed concern about this, and has now done something about it. They recently increased multi-family housing density limitations from 12 per acre to 20 per acre. And just last Tuesday, they unanimously approved a 45 unit complex in West Sedona. For more information follow this link to the Red Rock News article.

Arizona is home to some captivating light displays during the holidays, some beloved traditions and some completely new experiences. Sometimes these places can get pricey, so let’s take a look at some of our favorite light displays and shows that can be experienced free of admission!

You'll find a boat show or two and did you know that Prescott was designated as Arizona' Christmas town? Pack up the family in the station wagon and head out to enjoy this time-treasured holiday pastime.

http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arizona/az-free-holiday-lights/

Here is a very happy client who just closed on her first home purchase in Sedona. It was our pleasure to help her to make this happen!