We all know that Sedona makes a fantastic place to live, work in play!

Well, now is still the time to grab yourself a steal of a deal on a home in Sedona!

Nationwide home sales data has been released and the data is mixed. NAR (The National Association of Realtors) has released information on its Pending Home Sales Index which shows that pending home sales have decreased a little as a reaction with the ending of the homebuyer tax credit. As Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist has said lower home sales are expected in the short term however he notes that with exceptionally low interest rates then the market is expected to absorb the remaining inventory relatively quickly. He may be right, mortgage applications have been said to have been on the up according to the Mortgage Bankers Association with applications up 2% alone last week.

Of course this is the level of contracts, the level of closings or true sales is quite different. Released at the end of last month, single family sales jumped by 24% seasonally-adjusted basis over May, and were 19% above the totals for June 2009 nationwide. Also, home prices are said to be 1.3% higher compared with the month before, but they gained 4.6% year-over-year.

Despite what appears as a mixed bag of data, overall the feeling is positive – particularly here in Sedona with its budding arts scene and great community!

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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 Arizona is a fantastic place – a stunningly beautiful community of gorgeous vistas and fun activities!

Not far from Sedona is Kendick Peak which is part of an exclusive club of mountains in Arizona - 20 miles from Flagstaff, this mountain is one of only around a dozen mountains that are over 10,000 feet. The view from the top is just stunning.

If you are looking for property in Sedona, take some time to head up there to enjoy the view of the surrounding area of central Arizona.

There are several ways to the top of Kendrick Peak but the Kendrick Mountain Trail from the south is the shortest and easiest – the trail starts at 8,000 feet and heads uphill.

Once you reach a saddle about 1.7 miles from the trailhead, you’ll see your destination: a fire-lookout tower that is still way up there! Then you will come to the Old Lookout Cabin at the junction with the Bull Basin Trail completed in 1912 which was the lookouts home well into the 1930′s.

From the top you can see the San Francisco Peaks to the southeast, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and the desert to the northeast as well as Bill Williams Mountain and Sitgreaves Mountain to the southwest and Wilson Mountain, near Sedona, to the south.

The 8-mile round trip will take around 6 hours or so. Definitely a worthwhile trip. If you are visiting Sedona and are enjoying the beautiful scenery and trails then head to Kendrick Peak for a great view!

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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

Interior Designers can help save you time and money - whether selling your first or last home their advice can be worthwhile. – AS WE WROTE BEFORE BACK IN 2008!

After all a carefully staged home will likely sell quicker AND the atmosphere that an interior designer can create in a home is so welcoming that you might want to “live” the staged home permenantly. Sedona after all has some stunning real estate!

Remember that vacant, empty space is hard for people to visualize living in. In a stylish area with a thriving arts scene like Sedona, there are plenty of places to get great stunning pieces of artwork and furnishings that will liven up a space.

People often think that an interior designer is an expensive option – but the things they do with the space they are given is often impressive enough to lure buyers and make a quick sale. You may not even need to buy new pieces of furniture or redecorate, an hour with a designer can help them tell you where to declutter, how to lay out the furniture to create a better flow for staging and more!

Once you have taken their recommendations on board then you can do the work yourself if you wish! (Remember that what you have seen on TV – renovations in a weekend, are very unrealistic for the average do it yourselfer!

Modern Kitchens (install door handles and other high end accessories to create a polished look) and Bathrooms sell homes – clean, white bathrooms are naturally more appealing than a pea soup green 70′s bathtub for instance! The right lighting is also an appropriate area to focus on – make the most of the natural light you have and then upgrade ceiling lights.

Remember that post renovation to always clean, clean, clean! Make everything sparkle and shine and the look will be impressive!

Success all comes down to being a part of the right team, an interior designer is part of the team you put together to help you sell your home – you need the right Real Estate company, Ault & Associates have years of experience in Sedona and are the choice for many moving to the Verde Valley.

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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

So, you want to relocate to Sedona and you think that you are ready to “go it alone” – well there is your first mistake. You need to select professional assistance.

There are many mistakes made by buyers who are unsure of the best path to take.

Ault&Associates are here to guide you and help you throughout the home buying process.

What are the top mistakes? Well, RealtyTimes listed an assortment of mistakes, here is a summary of what you shouldn’t do!

1. Going it alone – you do not just need agents like us, but you need a great home inspector, mortgage broker and more!

2. Falling in love with a property – the love at first sight syndrome – you have to keep your sensible hat on – a property may look great, but is it?

3. Shopping with out a loan - get preapproval!

4. Overbuying – biting off more than you can chew can cost you.

5. Contracts – from accepting oral agreements, making unconditional offers and skipping the fine print – all are a bad idea!

We know the Sedona market and can help you avoid these mistakes!

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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 beautiful and is known worldwide as a great destination for a vacation and to own a second home.

Its red rocks are famed for providing a beautiful backdrop for all. The area offers stunning flora, fauna and has a thriving community of locals wishing to preserve the area as it is.

In order to permanently prevent forest service land trades of forest land in the red rock country in exchange for land outside of Sedona, some feel an NSA designation is needed and can only be passed by an act of Congress.

More than 250 individuals showed up at the special meeting held at the Hilton Resort in Greater Sedona to hear the argument for changing the law.

Proponents for the NSA designation believe such legislation will protect their forests from future development indefinitely.

With tourism being such a large economic driver in the Greater Sedona/Verde Valley area it is important to preserve the environment and protect the community from any future mass development.

Wherever you stand on the argument, what is for sure is that the area is truly beautiful and deserves to be protected. We will see what develops.

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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 Arizona’s beauty cannot just be expressed with words nor even with great pictures, but now with video! (Courtesy of RRTVProduction’s Youtube Channel)

Sedona is the second most popular visitor attraction in Arizona, after the Grand Canyon, with 4 million visitors annually. 

Sedona’s main attraction is its stunning array of red sandstone formations, the Red Rocks of Sedona. The formations appear to glow in brilliant orange and red when illuminated by the rising or setting sun. The Red Rocks form a breathtaking backdrop for everything from spiritual pursuits to the hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails.

With a population of only 11,200 that is a huge number of visitors. Sedona has a temperate mountain climate. In January, the normal high temperature is 51 degrees with a low of 21. In July, the normal high temperature is 93 degrees with a low of 63.

With a rise in the number of people purchasing second homes here at the moment (you can see why when you look at that video!) it is no wonder Sedona’s popularity continues to grow!

If you are thinking of making the move to Sedona permenant or just for a second home, then please get in touch 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

New Years is indeed coming and what better way to celebrate than in style at El Prado by the Creek who are holding a great new years day exhibition.

El Prado by the Creek was established in 1976 and celebrates New Years’ traditions from around the world during the special Friday, January 1st hours of noon – 8pm – the gallery really is a big part of the Sedona Arizona art scene - a scene which has made the city a top relocation destination for those in the art world.

El Prado helps with New Year’s Eve recovery with Sedona-style “hair of the dog” or some soothing hot chocolate.  Relax and recuperate from a night of merry-making while exploring the gallery’s eclectic selection of fine art. During this special New Year’s Day show, see the exclusive presentation of Chinese watercolors.  Focused on lines, shapes, subjects and colors, these paintings offer distinctive views for contemplation.  Colors such as red, blue, gray and white have different meanings than in the western world, and therefore, give the viewer a new perspective.  These unique paintings help celebrate the new year, the new decade, a global focus on the world.

So, ring in the new year with a look at some of the great art available in Sedona – if you take a trip to El Prado as it is located in Tlaquepaque village, why not take some time to explore there too!

Sedona really does have it all for everyone!

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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

When you are looking at relocating to a new neighborhood, town or city, schooling is always so important if you have young children.

Here in Sedona, Arizona we have excellent neighborhoods and equally excellent schools. In particular, recently praised by the local press is Sedona Charter School who were, for the third time, said to be “excelling”.

Of course this is something the teaching staff already are aware of! But for those who know little about the school, here is a brief summary of its successes - Sedona Charter School is located in West Sedona, was built in 2001 as a Montessori-based school. Montessori, meaning that children are not seperated into grades based on exact age, so classes are broken down into Grades 1-3, 4-6 and 7-8.

When it first opened the school was deemed too small for a state report card for two years. Then after growing, it has been said to be “excelling” in education standards three times and has also earning the label “highly performing” on one occasion.

The school, despite taking part in state testing, does not focus solely on test preparation and worked on ensuring that students get a well rounded education, both mentally and physically.

This is just one example of a great reason to relocate to 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 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.

Water is one of the most important substances on earth. This April Sedona celebrates water awareness month.

As spring is starting to take shape nicely in Sedona and the rest of the Verde Valley the fresh greenery brings a reminder to engage in Water Awareness Month. Since 2003 each April has been full of activities focused on education, action and celebration of the most precious of natural resources. The Sedona WaterWise Alliance will offer a great roundup of events.

The activities range from growing your own food locally through to the annual Native Plant Workshop hosted by Keep Sedona Beautiful which is on tomorrow. With such a range of events to choose from it is no wonder that residents are always so busy taking advantage of all the area has to offer!

Water Awareness Month 2009 will close with a fantastic event at 5 pm on Sunday, April 26th entitled -“Water to Wine” where $12 will bring you an evening of superb Verde Valley Wines, samples of local foods and music from William Eaton and Friends.

If you are visiting Sedona from another area to attend these events then it is a great time to learn more about Sedona Arizona and perhaps consider purchasing a second home 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. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016.

The Sedona Arts & Culture Commission is offering it annual grants for established Sedona artists.  The grants help support artists and their work.  The two types of grants available are the Artist Project Grants and the Emerging Artist Materials Grants.  The Artist Project  Grants are 5 grants of $5,000 each, which are meant to support projects by established Sedona artists.  The Artist Project Grants will help artists fund research, supplies and time to carry through with their projects.

The Emerging Artist Materials Grants are 10 grants of $1,000 and are meant to give financial support for purchasing supplies.  Emerging artists are artists who are just beginning to gain recognition.  These grants are meant to be helpful, giving emerging artists assistance in starting their careers and developing their talents.  Applicants for the grants must be residents of the greater Sedona area.  For more information on the grants visit www.SedonaAZ.gov.

Sedona is a fantastic place for artists because of its appreciation for the arts.  Art is in abundance in Sedona, adding to its already natural beauty.  If you are an artist and have been wanting to relocate to Sedona there couldn’t be a better time.  Home prices are the lowest that they have been in years and mortgage interest rates are at historic lows.

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.