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!]

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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

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.

If you don’t have to sell your home then now is definitely not the time to do so, it is, after-all, a buyer’s market.  Take advantage of this time and remodel your home, the timing could not be better.  Prices for remodeling are less expensive than they have been in years due to the competitive market the economy has created.  The number of new homes is down as is the expectation of many to actually do a remodel.  This means that not only is labor more competitive but so could be the pricing of the supplies.  The added incentive to remodel is the “Green” tax credit available for home improvements that live up to environmentally friendly standards.  Remodeling a home is always good for improving property values in the long run.  If you have the money now is a great time to consider remodeling your home and protecting your real estate investment.

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.

According to a recent article by Carl Jackson at SedonBiz.com, “This may be the year when the stars finally align and the Sedona Housing Commission can implement one of its strategies for increasing the affordable housing stock in Sedona: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), guest houses with their own full kitchen.”  The Sedona Housing Commission is considering changing its ordinances to allow for people who are struggling to make some income to help pay their mortgages.  Prior legislation made renting units in residential neighborhoods for less than a month period illegal, not to mention that legislation disallowed guest houses to have full kitchens installed in them.  People in Sedona and across the country are looking for ways not only to add income to their households but also to improve the values of their properties.  The Sedona Housing Commission is looking closely at this issue and considering making changes.  They want to keep the 30 day minimum rental limit in place to avoid constant turnovers in residential neighborhoods but they are willing to move forward and make ADUs legal for the sake of the many property owners who can benefit.

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

One part of the housing stimulus package is the home improvement tax credit, specifically for energy-efficient home improvements.   There are requirements for improvements, according to a recent article at Yahoo Finance “eligible improvements include replacing doors and windows, adding insulation, and installing new heating and air conditioning systems and water heaters.”  For people who need to make these improvements to their homes the tax credit, 30% of the costs incurred, can be quite an incentive.  The credit is capped at $1,500, which encompasses $5,000 worth of improvements, an attractive bonus to say the least.  These days the market for home improvement projects is quite competitive, people are starving for work and willing to be reasonable with their prices.  Getting work done for less money, having a potential to save on future energy costs and a tax credit on top of it adds up to great incentive to improve your home.

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.