Sedona’s Real Estate market is always exciting, however so much is in the news in the real estate market that you don’t know what data to trust- well, the National Association of Realtor’s has some very interesting news of late, not just in home prices but also in their report detailing the social aspects of housing.

Homeownership and Stable communities go hand in hand: As we wrote back in March – homeownership offers great benefits - not just the tax benefits that you always hear about!

Most of us know, generally the higher the level of homeownership in a neighborhood, generally crime is lower and the general quality of life is higher. NAR’s latest report “Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing” goes further than this, it says that because homeowners are more active in their communities there are improved education opportunities and a higher level of happiness! As homeowners less frequently than renters, therefore they are embedded into the same neighborhood and community for longer. This allows for social cohesion within the area. This improves the quality of life for all in the community – Sedona has a very high quality of life on offer for its residents! Hence why it is a top relocation destination!

NAR has also released another report lately, which shows prices stabilizing and perhaps trending up according to their second quarter Metro home prices report. Apparently, 100 out of 155 metropolitan statistical areas had higher median existing single-family home prices in comparison with the second quarter of 2009, including 14 with double-digit increases. Total state existing-home sales, including single-family and condo, increased 9.1% with sales increasing from the first quarter in 44 states and D.C., also 47 states and D.C. had increases over year-ago sales levels. This is exciting news for Sedona and the nation!

Here out west, the median existing single-family home price in the West rose 2.6 % from a year ago – YES, WE SAID A PRICE RISE! Existing home sales are also 7.6% higher than the same period last year.

So to recap – Sedona is a great place to live and offers a high quality of life and according to NAR’s data – now has never been a better time to snap up your dream home in Sedona!

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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 is a young city, BUT! It does have a plethora of historic properties that need preserving!

The City of Sedona’s Historic Preservation Commission is proud to announce two new Local Historic Landmark Properties to add to its roster. Ralph Block Ranch House and Doodlebug Ranch House.

The commission was created back in 1997 as a measure to preserve historic and landmark homes in Sedona. Ranging from early red-rock homes to mid-century homes through to even commercial properties!

Since ‘97 the city has preserved 22 such homes.Sedona can be proud that three properties are also listed on the National Register of Historic Properties:  Walter and Ruth Jordan residence, packing house and tractor shed; the Hart Store, doing business as the Hummingbird House; and the USFS Ranger Station residence and barn.

It is expected that more will join the roster soon – also, the Historic Preservation Commission is now working on Sedona’s celebration of Arizona’s Centennial in 2012.

Properties are added by public hearing and the commissions goal is to preserve “living history” for current and future residents of Sedona to enjoy.

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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

Exciting news from the National Association of Realtors.

NAR are praising the three senators who are proposing that the homebuyer tax credit be extended to the end of September 2010.

The measure was offered as an amendment to H.R. 4213, a tax extension bill now in the Senate which would change the closing date to September 30th. The Senators supporting the bill are Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sens. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

As found, not just in Sedona Arizona, but across the nation, buyers are rushing to close on their home before the deadline! In fact, NAR estimates the number of home buyers who have qualified for the tax credit and met the contract deadline of April 30, but who would not be able to close their transaction by the June 30 deadline, could go as high as 180,000. Delays are often on the mortgage side of the transaction as the sheer volume of applications to lenders is delaying processing. These are buyers who have done everything right but might miss out on qualifying for the tax credit.

An extension of this date to the end of September would allow some much needed time for those under contract here in Sedona Arizona.

Stay tuned to us to see what develops -  Click here to subscribe to our RSS Feed.

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

Well the summer sunshine – and heat! – is here, which means now is the time to get out and enjoy the weather by…working on the house!

We know it doesn’t sound very exciting but a properly maintained home is a happy home that will save you money over the years in unnecessary repair bills.

So here are some tips for Summer home maintenance in Sedona Arizona:

By home maintenance we do not of course mean – clean the grill ready for July 4th! We mean real home maintenance…

The longer days and good light and weather give you the chance to give the house a once over in a way that other times of the year would be impossible – no matter that the climate.

1. Outside space – whether a deck or concrete patio check for cracks and power wash clean. In the case of decks, check for rotting wood and replace.

2. Roof – storms, heat and more effect your roof – no matter whether your roof has a 20 year warranty or more, semi annual inspections are a must. If tile or slate it doesn’t matter. Check for problem areas and clean off any debris. This is an area where being proactive can save you time and money in the future.

3. Waterworks! – Check plumbling that is exposed for loose joints, cracked pipes and leaks. Drain your water heater tank if you have one – this will help sediment build up. This can add years to the lifespan of the tank.

4. Air and heat – give your heating and air conditioning system a once over. Check for any problem areas and have it services. Change air filters to protect your home from allergent and air pollutants.

5. Recreation – service the ATV, clean the pool and hot tub, and yes, clean the grill! Use the better weather to your advantage!

We hope these tips will help you have a great, productive summer!

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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

Cornville Arizona – where?

Well, many will now be wondering why a place would be named Cornville in the middle of Arizona where there is very little corn being grown…if any!

 The name actually comes from when the town was settled back in the 1880’s when the town was to be called Cohnville after a prominent local family of settlers called the Cohns, so when an application for a post office was put in to the Government the paperwork came with “Cornville” and it has been called it ever since!

Cornville grew from its humble beginnings to a bustling population of over 3,000 as recorded in the 2000 census. It is primarily a commuting town for Cottonwood and Sedona. In addition to Senator McCain, other notable residents of the area over the years have included rancher Frank Gyberg, sculptor John Henry Waddell and the late St Louis Rams owner Georgia Frontiere.

The community is spread across 13.2 square miles with a population density of 252.1 people per square mile. In addition to the 3,000+ residents there are over 1300 households.

Local attractions include Eliphante, “three acres of fantastical domes, shacks and follies” created over 28 years by Michael Kahn and his wife, Leda Livant. As well as beautiful oak creek and the stunning landscape.

Cornville would make a great place to relocate to for those moving to the area.

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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 mortgage market has been quiet – since the market meltdown the news has been relatively slow. This is an example where no news is GREAT NEWS!

Rates are still at historic lows which is great for buyers here in Sedona Arizona!

Well qualified buyers right now can expect 30 year fixed rate mortgages around the 4.5% range paying around 1% loan origination fee. (according to Realty Times)

Even more exciting is that 15 year conventional loans are around 4% – so if you are looking for a smaller shorter term loan this is a great option for you!

Even FHA loans are now mirroring conforming mortgage rates. However note that APR costs are higher thanks to Mortgage insurance and other FHA specific fees.

What about Jumbo? Well, Jumbo loans are dead right? WRONG! Jumbo rates are in the high 5’s% for conventional 30 year fixed rate loans. This is particularly great for areas like Sedona that benefit from many high end luxury homes worth millions of dollars.

This is exciting news for all!

Of course, if moving is not right for you at the moment – consider if now is the time to refinance your home?

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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

Exciting News for Sedona, Arizona and the surrounding Verde Valley Real Estate area!

NAR has released its 2009 Home Equity report - it has collected data from 154 Metro Statistical areas and published PDF reports on its findings.  This report creates a snapshot of the equity individuals who purchased a home at the median price 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago would have built up if they had kept that home through 2009. Homeownership in our region is the way to go! Click here to see the report in detail.

Locally here in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ statistical area  in 2009 if a purchaser had bought a home 20 years ago they would have equity of $84,979, if 15 years ago $66,686and if 10 years ago $28,057 – Nationally, for the US as a whole, the typical net worth of a renter is around $4,200 whereas the typical net worth of a homeowner is $205,200.

Also, exciting news in the Pending Home Sales arena also just released from NAR – Pending home sales have risen for three consecutive months, NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index rose 6% following gains of 7.1% in March and 8.3% in February. Pending home sales are at the highest level since October 2009. Here in the west the index rose 7.5% which is 12.0% above April 2009.

Remember that the home buyer tax credits brought close to 1 million additional buyers into the market which stabilized home prices more quickly and has preserved about $900 billion in home equity. So clearly the choice here in Sedona, is not to rent but get out there and search for your dream home!

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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 has always been the birthplace of the new, green and exciting!

Green real estate has been championed here for decades. Now, the focus is not just on building better, greener real estate, it is on home renovations too. After all, home renovations are expensive and when you carry them out you want to make sure they last and are worth your while! Also,if you can lower your energy bill while you are at it, even better!

Having a “green roof” can really help save money on those monthly heating and cooling bills and make  your home more attractive to eco-concious buyers when it comes time to sell! Remember, sustainability has become the name of the game and homeowners want to look for green improvements . (Including Solar Power!)

One option for a green roof is using a Duro-Last roofing system which are designed to accommodate specific needs and are pre-engineered and manufactured specifically to decrease waste and increase the durability and energy efficiency of a building.

• The Greenroofs.com Top 10 List of Hot Trends in Greenroof Design are:
  Client Specific ‘Boutique’ Greenroofs
• Design Competitions: Promoting Future Inspiration
• Earth-Sheltering for Sustainable Site Design
• Master Plans – Greenroofs in Every Corner
• Sustainable Stimulus: Green Buildings Creating Green Collar Jobs
• LID Strategies: Celebrating Water with Greenroofs, Rain Gardens, Stormwater Catchment & Beyond
• Championing the Green Machine: Policy Driven Ecological Development
• Healthy, Efficient & Affordable Green Housing
• Sky-High Green Living on the Rise: Condos, Townhomes and Lofts

A green roof may work great for you! DON’T FORGET – AS WE WROTE ABOUT – THE GREEN ENERGY EXPO COMING SOON IN SEDONA! Where you can learn how to save money on your utility bills by attending information sessions and exhibitions like this: On Saturday, June 5, come to the Sedona Public Library from 10am to 3pm for the Clean Green Energy Expo to see the latest in clean, green energy solutions for your home.

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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

Unless you have been hiking the red rocks for the last few years with no contact with the outside world, then you will know that there has been much fanfare about FHA insured loans.

In fact, FHA insured loans have been vital in the First Time Homebuyer tax credit process that recently ended, in fact for many buyers FHA loans are still the only way to qualify for a loan. [See our article on FHA loans for Condos here!]

In fact, the use of FHA loan is so widespread that in 2009, more than 50% of first-time buyers used FHA to finance their home purchase, and nearly 80% of FHA’s purchase loans were to first-time home buyers. FHA also serves those who need to refinance out of risky adjustable-rate mortgages or subprime loans with high interest rates. In 2009, approximately 835,000 borrowers refinanced into lower interest rate FHA-insured loans, saving them an estimated $1.3 billion – FHA loans were designed as an occasional, emergency measure by those who couldn’t qualify for other options. However, now they have become a mainstay mortgage option. However, despite its popularity, it is vital the traditional private financing be returned by the banks. Which is happening, but slowly. But FHA has helped boost the market nationwide which leads us onto other exciting news:

The number of sales has not only increased, but in certain metropolitan areas across the country, home prices have stablized or even RISEN!

In fact, in the first quarter, 91 out of 152 metropolitan statistical areas showed higher median existing single-family home prices in comparison with the first quarter of 2009, including 29 with double-digit increases! This is bigvery exciting news! Sales increased from a year ago in 44 states and the District of Columbia; 31 states and D.C. saw double-digit gains while two were unchanged and four were down. This is very much the signs of a stable market. Here out west, Existing-home sales in the West declined 6.8 percent in the first quarter to an annual rate of 1.27 million but are 8.3 percent higher than the first quarter of 2009.

Overall, this is encouraging news. 2010 is a better year for real estate for Sedona, Arizona and the nation as a whole. The future is bright!

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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 Tax credit deadline is nearly here and the chance to grab free money is fading at the end of this month…HOWEVER! This means that the National Association of Realtors has some important housing data for us here in Sedona for March 2010.

The news has been hotly anticipated that there has been a small surge in home sales – and guess what? The anticipation is correct!

Existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes and condos, rose 6.8% to a seasonally in March and are 16.1% above level in March 2009. Single Family home sales themselves rose 7.3% and are 13.3% higher than a year ago. Sales have been up for nine months straight and inventory has been trending down for 20 months running. The tax credit has helped save an estimated $1 trillion of home values.

Inventory is currently at an 8 month supply with raw unsold inventory 21.7% below the record month of July 2008.

Foreclosures (representing 35% of transactions) have been coming to the market and being absorbed at a managable pace and are selling to investors (19% of sales) and first time home buyers (44% of sales). The number of all cash transactions was again higher at 27% showing that buyers are snapping up properties rather than looking at financing.

The national median home price was up 0.4% for all types, but for single family homes the median price is up 0.6% – But, thats not all, median prices rose in 14 out of 20 metropolitan statistical areas reported in March in comparison with a year earlier. Five metro areas experienced double digit increases! Here out west, existing-home sales rose 6.6% in March and are 14% above March 2009.

The recovery is well underway and interest in Sedona real estate is as strong now as it was years ago – now is the last chance to snap up a great home which is excellently priced and with a low rate mortgage loan with mortgage rates under 5%, what is stopping you!?

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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