The 4th of July weekend is nearly upon us here in Sedona and asides from the usual festivities - you know what we mean, the barbecue and the fireworks! How about doing something this weekend to learn a little more about Sedona’s story, after all the 4th of July is all about the story of the birth of a nation, so why not learn more of Sedona!

The Sedona Heritage Museum presents Michael Peach in a performance of “Voices of the Verde” at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5th 2009 at the Sedona Heritage Museum.

In his 50 minute presentation, he weaves humor, song, cowboy poetry, and historical narrative into an informative and entertaining experience. He brings to life, General George Crook, Bear Howard, Jim and Margaret Thompson, and other pioneers and characters of the area’s past. Mr. Peach uses the intimate power of story and poetry to give voice to our area’s rich history.

Tickets are $6, with children under 12 free. Museum admission is separate. The Sedona Historical Society operates the Sedona Heritage Museum on the Jordan Farmstead at 735 Jordan Rd in Jordan Park. The Museum is open daily at 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Society seeks to research, preserve and teach the history of the greater Sedona area. For more info about this special presentation or the Museum, 928-282-7038.

What a great thing to do this weekend!

Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm - YES!

If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact Claudia Ault and her team in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016.

We all know that Sedona is popular with local visitors from surrounding states for long weekends and from visitors north of the border (Canada) for longer trips, however with Brits taking advantage of the real estate market in the US at present, it is any wonder that a great place like Sedona would get publicity to attract visitors from our cousins across the pond!

Scottish paper - “The Press and Journal” has written a superb article about visiting Arizona from the UK. Of course the usual haunts are mentioned - the Grand Canyon for instance, however they mention other things, from Horseback riding through to attending a baseball game - when it comes to Sedona, this is what they had to say -

“If you are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, the city of Sedona is well worth a visit. It’s only two hours drive away and the red rock monoliths provide a superb panorama before you reach your destination…The names of the rocks are based loosely on what they look like, and my favourite was Snoopy, so called because it looks like the Peanuts cartoon strip character lying on top of his doghouse…With a population of just over 10,000, Sedona enforces strict rules to ensure that construction doesn’t spoil the landscape.“

That’s not all, they do say much more and speak very highly of our beautiful city! So what is stopping you from checking it out?

Click here to see the Visit Sedona Tourism Bureau website.

Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm - YES!

If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact Claudia Ault and her team in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016.

Hot off the press!

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) have released more exciting news from their Pending Home Sales index - the results for May 2009 are in!

Importantly, sales of existing homes showed another gain in May, benefiting from favorable affordability conditions (including low rates!) and a first-time buyer tax credit.

The increase was the first month on month gain since September 2005. Existing-home sales – including single-family, townhomes, condominiums etc. – rose 2.4% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.77 million units last month. Single-family home sales alone (which make up a large chunk of sales) rose 1.9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.25 million in May from a pace of 4.17 million in April.

Total housing inventory at the end of May fell 3.5% to 3.80 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 9.6-month supply at the current sales pace, down from a 10.1-month supply in April. Most relevant to us here in Sedona, Arizona are the sales in the western part of the country, where existing-home sales were 11.8% higher than May 2008 - definitely exciting news for everyone!

Rates are still low too, according to Freddie Mac (FHLMC), the national average rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage edged up to 4.86% in May from a record low 4.81% in April 2009. However compared to 2008 these rates are around 2% lower!

That said, there is a small issue addressed by Lawrence Yun “However, the increase in sales is less than expected because poor appraisals are stalling transactions. Pending home sales indicated much stronger activity, but some contracts are falling through from faulty valuations that keep buyers from getting a loan.”

So there you have it, more news that the market is definitely turning around nationally so now really may be the best time to snap up your own piece of Sedona Arizona real estate!

Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm - YES!

If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact Claudia Ault and her team in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016.

Sedona and the surrounding area’s beauty is going to be captured in art - yet again!

El Prado by the Creek celebrates the National Parks of America in a show running from July 3rd – 10th 2009. The Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Saguaro, Yellowstone are just some of the National Parks depicted by El Prado artists featured in this commemoration of natural western splendor.

Sedona is the well known neighbor of the Grand Canyon - where the canyon can be a great day out for visitors or residents of the city. The scenery is as breathtaking as the red rocks around Sedona.

The work of the artists in this collection is stunning and many are hailed by the Grand Canyon Association for their talents.

The beauty of the region, including its national parks has often been captured in paint, photo and song.

El Prado by the Creek is located in Tlaquepaque Village, 336 State Route 179, Sedona, Arizona. Established in 1976, the gallery is a standard for fine art in Sedona.

If you would like to see the beauty yourself then the time to visit is now and if you enjoy it, why not stay a while and consider purchasing a nice weekend getaway home!

If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact Claudia Ault and her team in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016.

Exciting news hot off the press - Sedona is getting its first annual book festival!

The event will take place on Saturday, October 3, 9 am to 5 pm, in the parking lot of The Well Red Coyote bookstore, 3190 W. State Route 89A (corner of 89A and Dry Creek Road) in Sedona, Arizona - you have plenty of time to prepare!

(Click here for a Google Map and directions)

The Festival itself will spotlight local and regional authors, publishers and other individuals and organizations dedicated to celebrating the pleasures of reading, writing and books for all ages.

Authors and exhibitors will be in the main festival tent. In addition, there will be special author readings in an adjacent authors’ tent, live music on an outdoor stage and special programs for kids in the Well Red Coyote bookstore. Festival admission will be free and open to the public.

Registration for the festival is now open. Authors, publishers, individuals, businesses and organizations wishing to exhibit, sell books and sponsor this first annual event should go to www.sedonabookfestival.com for a downloadable registration form.

Being free and open for the public, it is not to be missed.

Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm - YES!

If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact Claudia Ault and her team in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016.

Like much of the US, Arizona is hurting economically, however there are areas of the state where there is less economic pain!

Of course, these are areas with diversified economies - including Flagstaff and Tucson.

Flagstaff, Sedona’s neighbor to the north and the largest city in northern Arizona, probably has the healthiest economy in the state. For months, it has had the lowest or nearly the lowest unemployment rate in the state. According to a new AP Economic Stress Index, Coconino County, had the least stress in the state.

Flagstaff has a shortage of housing, the area largely escaped speculative housing construction because the Forest Service land around it doesn’t provide much room to grow. It also has more tourism-related jobs than other metro areas because of its proximity to two of the state’s most popular tourist attractions, the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Leisure and hospitality jobs account for 18% of all jobs. Better yet, there are no shortage of visitors!

Sedona and the area around in the Verde Valley has always drawn visitors who seek some well deserved rest and relaxation at some of the areas hotels and resort, or in their second home. The area is always growing and people recognise that it is a great place to visit, live and work.

Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm - YES!

If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact Claudia Ault and her team in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016.

The National Association of Realtors is asking lawmakers to help improve energy efficiency in homes by offering incentives to homeowners.

We have already blogged how going green not only helps conserve resources and save the planet (for instance through the conservation of water), but also how it can aid you in the sale of your home! Particularly with the long term trend being towards acting “green”.

NAR has expressed support for the approach and overarching goals behind the Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods (GREEN) Act, H.R. 2336. The National Association of Realtors believes that improving the energy efficiency of the nation’s homes and buildings can be best accomplished with incentives and education.

H.R. 2336 would establish incentives to encourage energy efficient building, rehabilitation and upgrades. In addition, the bill provides a loan fund for states to implement renewable energy projects and would encourage a number of HUD demonstration and pilot programs that would provide best practices and great experiences for promoting energy efficiency in housing.

Developers have started to building green homes and Americans as a whole are learning ways to decrease energy usage whilst not compromising lifestyle. Even simple changes can add up to a huge difference!

Watch this space for more information on this bill. Click here for information on further rumors of tax credits for going green.

Turn your energy efficient efforts into not just an environment saving project but a selling feature!

Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm - YES!

If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact Claudia Ault and her team in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016.

News and statistics are in from the National Association of Realtors with exciting information on a rise in pending home sales

Numbers are up! A combination of record low mortgage interest rates and the first-time buyer tax credit boosted sales for the third consecutive month! The Pending Home Sales Index nationally rose 6.7% to 90.3 from a reading of 84.6 in March, and is 3.2% above April 2008 when it was 87.5.

For the western part of the country, the news is just as exciting, here in the the index rose 1.8% to 94. This news comes shortly after news that in California for instance home sales are rising much faster than expected; some areas in the state are seeing a 70-80%  increase in sales and price increases are expected shortly.

Video Courtesy of the National Association of Realtors

Lawrence Yun - NAR Cheif Economist had this to say: “Housing affordability conditions have been at historic highs, but now the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is beginning to impact the market…[as] buyers must finalize their purchase by November 30th” - Now is the time to buy!

With new rulings allowing First Time Homebuyers to utilize the tax credit as a downpayment before receiving their check from the IRS it is expected that the upward trend of further purchases will continue. In 2008, 41% of all home purchases were made by first time homebuyers. In the first quarter of 2009, that number was 53% (according to NAR) they are an important part of the market.

As previously written, Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm - YES!

If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact Claudia Ault and her team in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016.

Summer is here, the kids are off school, it’s time for that family vacation, or as seems to be all the rage at the moment, taking part in a “stay-cation” then you could be in for a treat and some quality family time by enjoying all that the Red Rock State Park in Sedona has to offer this June 2009!

Open up your mind and learn something with a whole host of events at the state park. For instance: On Sunday, June 7 at 2 p.m. in the park theater, there will be a presentation entitled “Close Encounters of the Reptilian Kind.” - Great for young and old alike! An important lesson will be taught here - how to treat or avoid snakebite. Important for those family hikes.

Speaking of hikes, there is a great choice! How about “The Moonlight Hike” on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7. A chance to enjoy the sunset and moonrise. The hike lasts 2 to 2.5 hours, has an elevation climb of 200-250 feet and covers approximately 2 miles.

Or if you feel like hikes and reptiles are not your scene then you could always learn a little about birds. Every Wednesday and Saturday at 7 a.m., visitors can join a naturalist for a “Guided Bird Walk.” Beginners as well as advanced birders are welcome for this exciting lesson.

This is just a sample of what you can do in the beautiful Red Rocks in Sedona. The State Park is located at 4050 Lower Red Rock Loop in Sedona. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitor Center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Park Entrance Fee is $7 per vehicle for up to 4 adults, each additional adult is charged $2 each. (There is no charge for children). For more information you can visit the Arizona State Parks Website on www.azstateparks.gov

If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact Claudia Ault and her team in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016.

Exciting news for the Sedona Oak Creek School District who are planning on opening a new performing arts center at a cost of $10.7 million. The project along with others listed below, are part of the $73 million bond passed by district taxpayers November 2007.

McCarthy Building Company will begin work for the center at Sedona Red Rock High School the end of May/beginning of this month. Although the price is above the $10.5 million approved by the Sedona Oak Creek School District Board in 2008,the board also approved $2.7 million for the construction of an auxiliary gym and locker room renovations, $445,000 for additional parking and $364,000 for a 1,000-seat, concrete amphitheater at the football field, for a total guaranteed maximum price of $14,278,000.

After meeting with the Performing Arts Center Committee and others in Sedona, the architects knew the building needed to blend in as it will be widely used by the community and the school district. It was designed by the Phoenix - based architect firm Orcutt Winslow, who plan for the center to give the user a sense of anticipation going through red rock canyons and that in the design, although the performing arts center is on the high school campus, it shouldn’t look exactly like the high school.

These are exciting times for Sedona and its residents. Despite being a little over budget on one part of this project, the community looks to gain a great facility that will benefit all.

If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact Claudia Ault and her team in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016.