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I have written several times recently about the impact of the new law making it illegal for municipalities to regulate the length of a rental in the state of Arizona. With regard to our real estate business, site built homes under $300,000 have become practically non existent in Sedona, and when one does come on the market, it is almost always snapped up with multiple offers. Another consequence is that there is a real shortage of available long term rentals. However, it appears that other towns that attract vacationers are grappling with the same issues. I recently came across an article in Outside Magazine that looks at how it affects the "locals". To read it, click on Outside Magazine ...

As you may know, we've had an unusually hot Spring, with some days well over 100 degrees. So it's a real pleasure to see the the 10 day forecast predicts high temperatures from the upper 70s to the mid 80s, with a possibility of thunder showers every day. What a beautiful place to live!

Everyone wants to find a way to save money on heating and cooling bills these days.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to save money AND be more comfortable in your home?

Have you heard about the new “Smart Home” tools now available? EcoBee is one of those smart tools that we have enjoyed this past year.

It’s an affordable solution that touts a 23% average savings. It’s more than a smart thermostat; it’s your answer to a smarter home. Not only have we saved money, but our home is also more comfortable without hot and cold spots.

My favorite part…. you can control everything from your smart phone. Heat or cool your home from anywhere. On a warm summer day you can see the temperature in your home...

Here is our most recent listing. It's right on the golf course and it's chock full of upgrades. Plus, it's priced to sell!

621 S Santa Fe Tr
Cornville, AZ

MLS# 513573 - Residential

Everything about this southwestern style home shouts "upgraded". For starters, the garage & Mstr Bdrm have 4' extensions. Easy parking for your over sized truck or SUV and/or ample storage space. Split bdrm plan features desirable north-south orientation, & large covered back patio. Located on the 17th Green, you'll enjoy sweeping mountain views across an 18 Hole course. Outdoor living is at its best with a fully landscaped (and fenced) back yard & garden area; while the front Entry Court yard adds ano...

Here is our newest listing in beautiful Oak Creek Canyon. What a great place to escape the summer heat!

4426 N State Route 89A #12
Sedona, AZ

MLS# 513561 - Residential

This quality, meticulously cared for cottage ON THE CREEK sits high amidst the sycamore trees. Relax on one of 3 decks overlooking the creek, or follow the pathway down to the creek & watch the Herons fish. Home has many upgrades, new deck, & both air conditioning & evaporative cooling. Residents own 1/18 stock equity in the 2.11 acre parcel the park sits on. HOA fees include natural spring water, community septic, trash, TV cable, water tests, repairs, maintenance to water system, as well as office expenses for on...

There is a good chance you've been hearing about the hot the real estate market. Like many homeowners you might be considering a move but you've been waiting for the right time. As real estate professionals we’re thrilled to report a positive outlook for those who are thinking about buying in the Verde Valley.

Cottonwood is bursting with new residential building which will open up many possibilities and is sure to offer homes in many price ranges.

Vineyards at Cottonwood’s 550-home housing development may be the area’s newest subdivision project, but it is by no means the only one going.

Construction of new homes continues at Mesquite Hills in Cottonwood and Mountain Gate and Crossroads...

What? The ski lift in the summer?

Beat the heat and head up to the mountains for some COOL fun!

Take in the dramatic scenery of northern Arizona from a bird’s eye view by spending your summer afternoon on Arizona Snowbowl’s Scenic Chairlift. It’s perfect for the entire family. The lift shuttles you up the western side of the San Francisco Peaks, and takes you up 2,000 feet in elevation. From here, you can take in the expansive beauty northern Arizona has to offer, including views of the red rocks in Sedona, the cinder cone volcanic field, and the walls of the Grand Canyon. The chairlift ride offers great opportunities for photography, observing wildlife, or just enjoying the peacef...

We knew this would go fast and it's amazing, we already have an offer.

445 Coffee Pot Drive
Sedona, AZ

MLS# 513405 - Residential

This small cottage in West Sedona has an impressive list of amenities and improvements. Besides being within walking distance of all that Sedona has to offer and close to hiking - this 2 bedroom, 1 bath home has a large fenced back yard. The spacious back deck has great views of Thunder Mountain. The kitchen and dining area is open to the living room. A wood burning kiva fireplace is the center of the living area. New sound proof windows & a patio door have been installed. The exterior has been recently painted. Clay walls and cork floors make this the ...

Here is our newest listing. It's a large lot in a the very desirable Thunder Ridge subdivision. And more new listings are on the way, so stay tuned in.

6050 Thunder Ridge
Lake Montezuma, AZ

MLS# 513397 - Land

It doesn't get any better than this.3.36 acres of high desert, located in the Master Planned Community of Thunder Ridge, with a private WELL, and a level/flat build. Surrounded by beautiful custom home sites, Thunder Ridge offers buyers the chance to build their own personal sanctuary "away from it all". This lot has 360 degrees of sweeping, panoramic views highlighted by mountain ridges, trees, and flowering desert vegetation. Wildlife frequently visits, the long wash runni...

The market is really hot, and would be hotter if there were enough homes to sell. Here are some statistics to back it up.

• So far 175 single family residences have sold, compared to 140 last year....a 25% jump.
• There are 209 active single family residence listings now compared to 298 last year.
• Median sales price is $510,000, up 13%
• 15 luxury homes over $1,000,000 have sold compared to 5 last year.
• Vacant land is really picking up as the inventory of homes declines, with 52 lots sold compared to just 20 a year ago.

Now is a great time to buy land if you're thinking about building. Although the number of lots sold has been increasing, prices have lagged. But as inventory declines,...

According to SmartAsset's list of most tax friendly towns for retirees, The Village of Oak Creek is number one. They take into account income tax, property tax, sales tax, fuel tax and social security. So if you want to save some money on your taxes, move to the Village. To learn all about it, go to this article in the Flagstaff Business News.

I have heard rumors from mortgage brokers that the federal funding through HUD that makes reverse mortgages possible is in jeopardy with the new federal budgets. I hope that doesn't happen because my opinion is that it's a great option for many of our clients. Apparently the first budget proposal from the white house does not mention this program, but it does mention some others. However, the proposal is short on details so who knows. For an interesting read on this subject, go to this issue of Reverse Mortgage Daily.

This year the festival runs from May 31 to June 4. They offer some wonderful, thought provoking films and we highly recommend it. Below is their Mission Statement, which obviously says it much better than I could. Click on www.illuminatefilmfestival.com for more information.

"Our mission is to expand human consciousness through cinema."

"ILLUMINATE is the world's premier film festival for conscious cinema. Dedicated to spreading enlightened ideas and pushing humanity forward, ILLUMINATE is a landmark destination event and centerpiece for conscious content. Founded on the premise that the language of film is universal and a dynamic force in carrying messages to the masses, the Festival s...

The Sedona International Film Festival is something that we are very proud of. It has become one of the premier film festivals in the country, and attracts great films and artists. They have started a $250,000 matching grant campaign to help pay for their new theater and to guarantee their  financial stability in the future. We support them and encourage others to do the same. To read more about it, go to this Red Rock News article.

Affordable housing, or a lack thereof, has been an issue for many years, and the shortage has only increased with the change in the law to allow short term rentals. Many homes that had long term tenants have been converted to vacation rentals, which has driven up average rental rates. That , in turn, makes it more difficult for businesses to find employees, as there is not enough housing available for the local workforce. An informal group started by Linda and Ron Martinez is exploring options, with support from the city administration. For an interesting read on this subject, click on this Red Rock News article.

Congratulations to Jan for being named to the Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty President's Club. Only the top 15% of agents receive special recognition like this, and Jan was one of only six among the 70 agents in the Sedona office. She has worked very hard for her clients, and this recognition is very much appreciated.  

Tourism in Sedona is really booming, and much of the credit goes to the destination marketing program developed by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. The City signed a contract with the Chamber three years ago, and the result has been that tourism levels are higher than ever. As a reward, the City Council just approved a new seven year contract with the Chamber. The increased number of tourists puts stress on the local infrastructure, and that is also addressed in the new contract. To read the full article in the Red Rock News, click on this link.

Team member Abby blew out the doggie equivalent of her ACL, and had surgery to repair it on Tuesday. Here she is with her cone and goggles, preparing to receive a laser treatment to help promote healing. She's anxious to get back on the playing field.

Here is a new listing that Jan and I brought to market, and boy does it have personality. It already has a renter in the in-law apartment, in case you're looking for an investment. And most interestingly, it has roof windows over the dining room with a real tree that goes all the way to the ceiling. And the views are spectacular!

50 Forest View Tr
Sedona, AZ

MLS# 512706 - Residential

This custom 1984 southwest home was built to take advantage of all that SEDONA has to offer; awe-inspiring red rock views, .78 of an acre bordering forest service on 3 sides & a private location at end of a cul de sac. 5 Kiva fireplaces, glass "roof" windows & a 20' indoor tree set this home apart. T...

The numbers are in for the first quarter and they confirm what we already know. The market is hot, but there are not enough homes to sell. Compared to last year, the number of homes under $1,000,000 is up nearly 13%, and the median sales price is up 13.3%, going from $450,000 to $510,000. The only thing holding it back is that the inventory of homes for sale has gone way down from 290 to 195. Ouch! Sales of homes over $1,000,000 are even more impressive. The number of homes in this price range have more than doubled, and the median sales price has increased by over 10%. Vacant land sales have also increased, the the median sales price has actually gone down. for more detail, go to our Mar...