Now this really re-defines the meaning of real estate!

Before we all inhabited the Verde Valley there were plenty of Native Americans – in particular the the Sinagua tribe. These people were attracted to the Verde River and its tributaries. The Sinagua farmed the fertible river banks and built dwellings in the cliffs - guess what? Some of those cliff dwellings are still there!

They are definitely an interesting early form of housing. They have been the focal point of many parks and monuments in Arizona as well as the subject of much study.

However, you can learn more about the Sinagua, central Arizona cliff dwellings and other structures the Sinagua built when archaeologist Matt Guebard leads a discussion at 2 p.m. Feb. 7 at Red Rock State Park in Sedona. If you are in the area it would be a great event to attend.

The Sinagua indians lived in the valley from 1125-1400 AD and bought with them their distinct culture. However exact levels of population are unknown. – This event is definitely a great day out for the family to learn more about the heritage of our great nation!

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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 AULT&ASSOCIATES 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 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

Sedona’s art scene is always serving up a wonderous delight for locals and visitors! February 5ths exhibit titled “Art in Motion” looks to be another success.

Opening at the Sedona Arts Center the art in motion exhibit presents the amazing fluidity and motion that can be captured in different media when a talented artist is creating. The new exhibit in the Fine Art Gallery, Art in Motion features four talented local artists: Joella Jean Mahoney, Miro Fitzgerald, Justine Mantor-Waldie, and George Averbeck.

Check the schedule for the exhibit at www.SedonaArtsCenter.com. Do not forget that as the arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization, there is no sales tax on purchases! The Fine Art Members Gallery is located in Uptown Sedona at the corner of State Rte 89A and Art Barn Road – on the right, just before you enter Oak Creek Canyon.

Don’t forget to contact us if you are looking for a second home in Sedona – it would give you a great opportunity to escape the stresses of life in our beautiful surroundings!

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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 AULT&ASSOCIATES 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 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

Doing home repairs is not something which the average Sedona Arizona homeowner relishes in doing! However, they must be done – particularly after hard winters.

But in order to keep costs under control, it is often better to focus on smaller jobs and also do repairs over time – rather than trying to do several jobs or one huge job all at once.

Also, lets face it, most of us leave repairs until we sell our home!

These days with foreclosures and short sales many repairs are not carried out, so by spending a little money on the smaller jobs can reap rewards in making your home stand out when it comes to selling!

Things which shouldn’t be overlooked include: changing your furnace air filters regularly, fixing leaky faucets/toilets, repairing caulking issues in the bathroom and defective electrical outlets/wiring – these may seem insignificate but they can make a big difference!

Also, with regards to air filters, experts say that 60% of service calls are caused due to dirty filter related issues – therefore, by changing your filters regularly ensures that you keep your unit maintenance costs under control! It can also save you money as when your unit is maintained properly it works at its maximum efficiency! With estimated savings of around $100 per year just by changing your air filters, its not chump change! – A great reminder to check your filters is when you get your bill – a very poignant visual reminder one might say!

Also, with regards to other repairs we mentioned, a leaky faucet can cost you more than a few gallons of water every month. It can cause mold and a whole host of other problems!

It is all about appearances, if your home looks maintained then buyers will feel it is worth purchasing, if there are leaky faucets, broken or cracked tiles and caulking as well as a air conditioning unit that limps along then they may thing the home is in need of serious repairs!

In short – look after your home, it can help save you money and repay you dividends when it comes to selling!

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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 AULT&ASSOCIATES 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 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

The rise in pending home sales in January is critical to the recovery of Arizona’s real estate market. Prices are expected to increase, although slowly. The latest report shows pending sales hit a record 9,883 in the first week of January 2010 — a 79 percent increase over the 5,530 tally a year ago. The Arizona real estate market peaked in June 2006, with the bottom hitting in April 2009 and maximum inventory of homes on the market in late April 2008.

However, rather than dwelling on the past it is exciting to predict that there will be a shallow upward trend across the market as there is a move towards more homes coming under contract. Interest in the previously slow $250,000-$400,000 range is also hotting up! Short sales are also making an increasing appearance on sales statistics.

According to NAR, overall 2009’s figures were way above 2008; In 2009 there were 5,156,000 existing-home sales nationwide, which was 4.9 percent higher than the 4,913,000 in 2008 – the first rise since 2005. The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $178,300 in December, which is 1.5% higher than December 2008!

What to suggest with all this good news?! Well, now is the time to buy as the last chance of getting a great deal is slipping away!

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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 AULT&ASSOCIATES 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 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

Remember Sedona Arizona is a place to relax – whether you live here or visit on vacation.

Therefore Sedona makes a perfect Valentines Day getaway!

So perhaps ditch the chocolates, flowers and card and surprise your other half with a break in Sedona (even if you live here!) The beautiful red rocks shine at any time of the year and its fantastic arts and culture are world renowned.

Not to mention the numerous spas, meditation centers, massage parlours and more! It all sounds very decadent! (Imagine living in Sedona - you could take advantage of all of this year round! – Contact us today!)

Krazy Kyote Tours are offering some great ideas for Valentines Day!

Sedona offers a wide range of activities that will be sure to inspire love.  How about a sunset jeep tour?  Jeep tours take you through the red rocks to the perfect vista just in time to watch the sunset. Or maybe a horseback ride?  Perhaps a hot air balloon ride? Or an evening hike?!

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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 AULT&ASSOCIATES 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 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

Yes, its that time of year again already! Tax season is upon us!

The income tax laws, schedules, and filing procedures have change dramatically since their inception and the Sedona Public Library can help! The Library is a resource for tax law, the history of taxation (and the formulation of the IRS etc) but more importantly, it is the only place left that will give out forms! Naturally while all federal and state forms are available online:  www.irs.gov and www.azdor.gov, but if you do not use a computer then you will find it difficult finding the forms! Also in terms of instructional booklets, these are also thin on the ground.

However the staff at the library are there as a resource to help you find the information you are looking for. Also, an additional resource and service hosted by Sedona Public Library is its annual AARP Tax Preparers Service.  This service is indicative of SPL’s commitment to provide affordable and responsive community services.   The program starts February 2, and ends April 15, 2010.  The hours are 10:00 am to noon, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, in the library’s Si Birch Community Room.  The service is available to everyone; you do not have to be a member of AARP, and there is no minimum age requirement.  This service is free and naturally has a limited scope on what it covers in terms of preparation.

All in all these are reasons to get a head start and file early before it gets too late! Also, while mentioning tax, do not forget that this year the $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit and $6,500 tax credits end later this year so make sure you purchase a home in the next few weeks!

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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 AULT&ASSOCIATES 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 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

Despite Sedona being a little more wintery this winter than usual – as is the rest of the country! It is still a great time to take advantage of the real estate market – which is heating up!

In the last decade the real estate industry has changed beyond recognition, as has Sedona.

Back 10 years ago in the year 2000 (remember all that Y2K stuff?!) buyers were just discovering the wonders of the internet – in 1999 only around 37% of homebuyers searched for their next home purchase online. Today, it is around 90% according to the National Association of Realtors. Of course technological wonders like this blog are possible due to the advancement of technology.

As we said the market is heating up here in Sedona and nationally and although despite the 9 month run on pending home sales increasing, the National Association of Realtors latest data shows that pending home sales have declined but are still way above a year before! Here out in the west of the country the index declined 2.7 percent to 124.6 but is 21.4 percent above November 2008.

This however, is partly expected due to the initial pent up demand being tapped into thanks to programs like the first time homebuyer tax credit. This means that we will likely see steadier growth over the next few months as the recovery continues – NAR notes that the rock bottom interest rates as they are right now cannot continue!

So if you are thinking of buying a home this January, now is the time to do it – don’t wait until later in the year when the tax credits end, rates will likely be higher and, likely so will prices!

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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 AULT&ASSOCIATES 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 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

We all know that Sedona, Arizona is a prime relocation and vacation destination.

However, here is an award, or rather, an accolade we did not expect to get – to be in the top 5 places in the US for Single Travellers in 2010.

Sedona was named as such in an article geared up for single women travellers and it suggests that Sedona offers a great chance for rest and relaxation – including Yoga, meditation, spa treatments and more!

Of course, if you are looking to get out and have some fun you can go hiking, biking and much, much more!

Many people visit Sedona and decide to purchase a vacation home here or even make the move permenant! If this is something you are considering then please get in contact – today!

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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 AULT&ASSOCIATES 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 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

With 2010 there will be some tough decisions to be made – mostly due to the tight budget.

However, there is something which is being discussed which will effect Sedona and the whole of Arizona drastically!

On Jan. 15, the Arizona State Parks Board will be forced to make some tough decisions about the future of several state parks, and according to many the decisions are not “whether” some should close, but “which”.

With the state parks dwindling budgets – down $30 million to $19 million to now beloe $10 million, it is no surprise.

Our state parks do so much for residents in rural areas – by helping stimulate the economy – as well as preserving our heritage. It was announced in 2009 that Homolovi State Park has a $3.5 million annual impact on Navajo County economically, with visitors contributing $2.6 million directly into the local economy. Statewide, the study found that state parks contribute $224.4 million to the economy, with $162.8 million spent directly at the parks, and the remainder at related and supporting businesses such as hotels and restaurants.

Here in Sedona, there is talk that the Red Rocks park will be one that will have to close – due to a $190,000 per annum loss.

Our state parks give us so much, so make sure that if you are in the area – take time to visit them and enjoy yourself! We need to make sure they stay open! Read our post – Sedona Arizona Offers Beauty, Recreation, Culture & So Much More!

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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 AULT&ASSOCIATES 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 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

LOOK – Exciting news for Northern Arizona and the Verde Valley - Despite only recently writing about Sedona Schools, a housing development being built in the Verde Valley is the first in Northern Arizona designed to run off solar power!

The development, called “Grey Fox Ridge” located in Cottonwood contains homes which are going to run off of solar power. It is estimated that homeowners would see a decrease in their electric bill to around 50% of existing bills or just by the homes other green features by around 26% compared to a conventional home. Very exciting news indeed!

Each home is equipped with 10 solar panels on the roof, and homeowners can add additional ones if desired and power is stored for later use.

This is a great move forward and the Verde Valley is a perfect location to showcase this technology thanks to its high levels of daylight and sunshine hours.

It is likely that other developments will follow suit in the near future due to the general push to go green in Sedona and in Real Estate as a whole!

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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 AULT&ASSOCIATES 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 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852