Following on from our previous article about making your home more appealing to buyers - we now consider how some of the normal rules to renovating an redecorating need to be strictly adhered to in small spaces as opposed to larger ones.

Here in Sedona Arizona real estate we have some great homes with fantastic interiors, here are some great tips in helping decorate smaller spaces, which also often includes minor bathroom renovations. After all, the smallest room is more often than not the bathroom too!

A small space  needs to have style and look as large as it can. With the right color, furniture and accessories it can have all this! The main thing to do when renovating a small space is to make the most of the natural light that pours into the room. Clean windows, skylights and more! Bright, neutral colors on the walls also help reflect the light around better than darker colors that tend to “absorb” the light.  Outside of daylight hours, using cool ambiant lighting does the trick!

In a small space, decluttering is important and having storage solutions is vital – shelves, cabinets and other smart storage solutions are a must. So have a clear out and garage sale – don’t get sentimental! Spaces can often be made to look larger through the use of mirrors, glass features and accessories. Also, with small rooms and bathrooms choose smaller pieces that compliment a rooms size and design.  

Cleaning is of course of major importantance, particularly when it comes to bathrooms, but right now in addition to that buyers are loving green features such as low flow shower heads, toilets and faucets etc so consider installing one of these.

Hopefully these tips will help you homeowners, buyers and sellers here in Sedona Arizona! Don’t forget, sellers, that Ault&Associates are here for 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

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

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

Sedona Library celebrations National Garden Month this April 2010, as Spring is well and truly underway!

The library is an excellent resource for the avid gardener – those with green thumbs will naturally be able to find books on local planting as well as how to get started with gardening.

With a relatively arid climate sometimes gardeners worry about what they can and can’t plant in Sedona – after all, sticking with local planting can really help your garden look fantastic throughout the year! With those moving to the area from many different climates it may be daunting to plant your yard with something familiar to you.

So, here is a list of what works for your yard in Sedona this Spring:

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The Flowering Manzanita – Arctostaphylos pringlei or patula. Its clusters of pink bell-flowers herald the approaching spring season – Bee’s love it!

Groundsel (Senecio multicapitatus) is first to appear as a weed due to spiky leaves that cling to the ground. From this unassuming beginning, this yellow wildflower grows a medium size stalk with daisy-like flower heads. Blooms early May.

The Mormon Tea Plant or Long Leaved Joint-fir (Ephedra trifurca) are a great choice as its clusters of little yellow – orange flowers start to bloom.

How about for the summer?

Well, the Limerock Ruby Coreopsis blooms all summer and fall. It is both drought-tolerant and great for sunny borders.

Or a nice perennial such as Leyland Cypress Hedges which attract a bunch of fauna or the Arizona Sun Gaillardia, which attracts butterflies.

As always Pansies and Geraniums are beautiful and add a nice artistic flair to borders and flower baskets. HOWEVER! Be warned that they prefer the cooler temperatures compared to Sedona’s heat!

Of course you can always go cliche and have several types of Cacti!

The beauty of Sedona extends beyond the red rocks. How about grabbing yourself a slice of Sedona and trying a hand at Desert planting!

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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

Spring is here – time for the honey do list to come out!

Now that we are all finally starting to come out of winters grip, the weather is warmer and here in Sedona the time to start a spring clean and spruce up of your home has begun!

Home improvements are just a great part of homeownership. They allow you to control your living environment and improve your property – sometimes for a return at resale – but that said home improvements do cost money. BUT! Courtesy of Realty Times we have a list of weekend home improvement projects that you can do yourself!

As part of “Real Estate 101″ we are always talking about curb appeal – now that your home is coming out from its winter slumber, it is the time to work on your curb appeal again – your homes “first impression”

1. Power Washing – Power wash all concrete, driveways, sidewalks, steps etc. We have said this before and will say it again! You can buy your own power washer cheaply. (Time -  a few hours, an afternoon at best)

2. Work on that front door – time and time again we go back to the front door – paint the front door! This simple and cheap solution can make a huge impact – particularly if you really pick a contrasting color (Time – a few hours, a morning or afternoon at best) – while waiting for the paint to dry - TIDY YOUR FRONT PORCH!

3. Light Fixtures – inside, update that ceiling fan, and if you have track lighting – TIME TO GO! Make sure to turn the power off when working.

4. Back Yard / Landscaping- Work on the lawn, trim all bushes AND if you have space, add a herb garden – this will provide you with an interesting selling feature and if you plant organic will provide you and yours fresh herbs year round for free! Plus, gardening is a great stress reliever. – Good for your health!

5. Roof – Inspect your roof for broken/loose shingles/tiles – Doing this now is better than doing it in the summer where you will roast in the hot summer sun!

There we have it – so get out this weekend in Sedona and work on sprucing up your home, improving its curb appeal and if you are selling your home hopefully its value and saleability.

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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 that the Lake Havasu School District is following the Sedona Schools model of going solar!

Arizona solar rules allow school districts to generate 100 percent of their electricity from the sun, and no more than an additional 25 percent on top of that. Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District went solar back in the middle of this year. Big Park Community School flipped the switch for $41,000 a year savings when it turned on its large scale photovoltaic system this May. The first of the districts three schools to receive solar panels with money from the $73 million bond passed by voters November 2007 and may be the first school in the state to have its own 100,000 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system.

The school has 776 solar panels installed on two buildings.  The contract, for $2.8 million for energy efficient projects district-wide, allowed $1 million for Big Park’s panels. The district’s other two schools — Sedona Red Rock High School and West Sedona School — and the district office are set to receive panels of their own with $4 million set aside in the bond.

Big Park is set to save $41,000 a year on electric bills thanks to this new move and in the summer when school is not in session the power will not go to waste the school will earn $27,000 per year for the extra energy generated.

Definitely an exciting move for the school district and something which we will hopefully see more of in the trend towards greener energy. [See our post about Solar in Sedona!]

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

Going green is the way forward these days. Asides from saving some money on energy costs, going green also gives you the satisfaction that you are helping the planet! Even some HOA’s are going green!

With a lot of money flowing towards green technologies it is no wonder interest is growing. Here in Sedona you can see the sun generate electricity free on the Sedona Solar Tour on November 21st 2009!

Come hear some answers on how tax credits and utility rebates can help you make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Sustainable Arizona and the Arizona Solar Energy Association are hosting back-to-back events where you the consumer can ask the experts all those questions on Solar energy as well as find out how much money you can expect to save!

The best news? Well, the event is free and open to everyone! You can find out more by visiting the Sustainable Arizona website.

The solar electric tour runs from 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and will feature small to large solar photovoltaic systems on homes and buildings in Sedona. There will be six locations on the self-guided tour.

Asides from the savings you could have by having your own solar electric generation, there are also incentives from some utility companies as well as possible local, state or federal rebates/credits available! Even the National Association of Realtors is calling for more green living.

This is definitely exciting news for Sedona and the planet!

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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 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.

What do you when you get home from work, the store or any errand? Well, if you are like many, then you sit on your front porch to relax and let the day to day stresses melt away.

What if you do not have a front porch I hear you cry! Well then you could always build one? After all, everyone is after their own version of the American dream and you cannot get more Americana than a white picket fence and a front porch! However, not every home style or climate suits the same front porch. There are companies who specialize in Front Porch design so you can get one that is appropriate for you and your home.

With sellers trying to ensure that their homes are all neat, tidy and staged appropriately, it ultimately comes down to curb appeal. The inside may look great, but if your entryway and your front porch looks terrible, then a prospective buyer will drive right past and so will their agent. In an image conscious world, curb appeal matters.

Therefore the appearance of your front porch may help you sell your home!

So get out the paint cans, get out the potted plants, the American flag and if you have room, a rocking chair. Make sure to keep with the style and local climate of your home. Here in Sedona our summers are gorgeous, however with the heat in the summer, perhaps an outside fan and a bug screen is advisable! So go on, get out there and have some fun and help your home sell itself!

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 already has a naturally beautiful outside space – the gorgeous red rocks!

However if you are looking for inspiration in creating your own tranquil setting on your property using outdoor art then then this outdoor living show held at El Prado by the Creek is the place to go. Hosted between June 1st through 7th 2009.

It gets better, El Prado by the Creek has created a Stimulus Plan of its own: a tax break and free shipping on artwork featured at the show. Meaning that the gallery will pay your sales tax and your shipping or delivery free within the continental United States for outdoor art purchased during the show. From natural stone fountains and rock furniture to wind and kinetic sculpture, El Prado’s garden is the inspiration for creating your own piece of art! Buyers therefore are saving a lot of money.

The themes for the galleries pieces are the four classical elements,  air, fire, earth and water. Meaning that pieces of art will gel well with different gardens throughout Sedona. Whether your yard is desert, golf-green lush grass, ponderosa pine needles or Sedona red rocks, El Prado has the art pieces to create your haven from the stress of the world.

Definately check it out! 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. The gallery and gardens are open daily 10 – 5 (summer hours: weekdays open until 6:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday until 7:00 p.m.). El Prado by the Creek can be contacted at 928-282-7390.

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.