Kitchens are always an important area in any house, not just in functionality – but when it comes to marketing real estate, staying ahead of the crowd and up with the lastest trends is of the utmost importance. Buyers will look for the latest trends and features so consider it when remodeling!

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), founded in 1963 as The American Institute of Kitchen Dealers, has nearly 40,000 members. Earlier this year it released its top trends for kitchens and bathrooms for 2010 and here they are:

1. Concealed Kitchens - Where the kitchen area blends with the rest of home so that the kitchen doesn’t look too noticable.  Complimentary coloring with the surrounding spaces and open planned features will help here.

2. Thirst Quenching Stations -  Seems strange, but simple things like wine coolers and built in coffee stations are all the rage! These are now found in high end kitchens and homes and everyone wants them! Plus they are very useful for everyday life!

3. Round Edges on everything! – Well, not everything but most things, archways, countertops (granite remember is a great idea!)Rounding out those edges creates a smooth traffic flow and harmony to the room.

4. Foreign Influences

Simple, minimalist and clean lines from the orient have long been desired, but how about other parts of the world? A featured piece of art work from a distant land as a focal point in a kitchen can help give inspiration in the remodel and allow you to design the kitchen in a complimentary way.

Buyers – when looking at homes, a striking trendy kitchen can help you when it comes to resale. Sellers – if your kitchen is looking in need of a makeover consider some of these trends. Spending a little money in the right areas can make a huge difference when it comes to buyer interest and can help in clinching that all important sale. Using the right agent is also key in any home sale; sellers in Sedona and the surrounding area please contact us to let us help you sell 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

We all know that home staging is important and will help you sell your home faster, but as there are not many tips for Sellers out there, what could we be writing about that has not been written before?!

Well, with 84% of people searching for properties online your home does need to make the right impression, but these days that might mean online! So learn to stage your home for photographing!

Photos are of course part of the standard offering today – a smattering of nice shots online is expected and with many MLS systems allowing up to 20 photos there is room for at least a couple of photos per room.

Firstly consider this: are you marketing to families, couples, single persons or second home owners? When you have decided your home can be staged to tell a story aimed at the particular market segment you are selling to. This means that families will want to see functional space, couples might want to see your entertaining space accentuated.

Remember the basics:

Remove clutter – de cluttering is so important!
Tidy Up – if you have children and pets – clear away toys and clean, clean, clean!
Clean Windows – make the most of your natural light!
Make Repairs – small repairs can make a difference. See our article about small repairs making a big difference.

Of course create a mood with accentuating the positive aspects of your home, make the most of natural light and set the dining table so that it looks impressive!

Remember of course that Ault&Associates are here for you every step of the way throughout the selling process.

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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 have mentioned before Sedona’s great Main Street Program.

However this Program has now been awarded National Accreditation. The volunteer driven program has been running for 8 years and is praised by all.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation and its National Main Street Center has reconized the efforts by the volunteers and Sedona’s Main Street Program is now among 10 of the 15 Main Street Communities in Arizona names as a 2010 Accredited National Main Street Program.

This national accreditation program evaluates Main Street programs with 10 criteria including public support, historic preservation ethic, funding and many more!

In Sedona all of the residents love the program as it brings to much to an already vibrant community. As we have said before: Sedona is a community to get involved in!

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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

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

Shopping for a new home in Sedona is exciting – but sometimes you have to take some time out of the search to really think about what you are looking for.

Where to start? Well, you need to thing long and hard about what you want/need from your new/dream home.

Creating a wish list is a great idea and if you consider the right points and ask yourself the right questions then your home search in Sedona, AZ will be relatively painless!

Think about the following areas as a start:

Location – (Location, Location!) – Think logically, how far away would you like to be from work, schools, friends, family and more!

Neighborhood - is there a school district you want to be in or remain in? What features would you like – a clubhouse, pool etc.

Style of home - Condo? Single Family? Modern? Traditional? Open Floor Plans? Brick? Wood? The choices go on here in Sedona, which prides itself in offering some stunning architect designed homes. However, make sure that you consider these choices carefully. If you want a traditional ranch style home then do not look at condos!

Property Features – pool? spa? three master suites? games room/den upstairs? are these features sounding a little less than usual, well, think about what you want from a home that could help narrow the search! This is really useful if you have a need for a particular feature.

Property Condition – All important - do you want brand new, one with a good honey do list or a complete handyman special fixer upper!? The choice is yours. No home is perfect, but preparing and understanding the level of work you wish to undertake ahead of time will save countless hours of wasted time, it will also save money and of course, tears!

By trying to think more deeply about what you want you can really speed up the home search process and narrow down your likes and dislikes. Don’t forget the whole team here at Ault&Associates are here with you every step of the way!

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

Being such a beautiful location for residents Sedona has it all! It is a prime relocation destination.

However when it comes time for College often students plan on running to far flung locations – however this is not necessary.

Yavapai College in Prescott with campuses in Clarkdale, Chino Valley and Sedona is the perfect location to further education!

Established in 1965 and had its first classes in 1969, this community college has nearly 4000 students and as of 2007-2008 Yavapai College offered 83 certificate, degree and transfer options to students in 64 different programs of study.

Yavapai college offers traditional as well as alternative learning options. Including credit for prior learning, internships, high school partnerships, online learning and more!

There is also a gunsmith school, active athetics department with several teams across many sports and other extra curricular activities.

Currently they offer seven associate degree programs, from business to education and of course the arts.

There is on campus housing in three residence halls at the Prescott Campus.

This is a fantastic location to go to school and Sedona and the surrounding area make a great relocation destination!

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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 homebuyers who are under contract right now should be rejoicing!

Exciting news from Congress; the home buyer tax credit closing deadline that expired on June 30th has been extended. In part thanks to the National Association of Realtor’s who were pressuring Congress to move the deadline. The new legislation will allow the estimated 180,000 homebuyers who are waiting for their under contract homes to close who missed the June 30th deadline to now be allowed to claim the credit if they close by September 30th 2010

That is not the only change Congress has made – they have also passed the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2010 allowing those will stalled transactions due to Flood Insurance to go forward.

Either way, if you are not under contract and can claim the credit, prices are still great and rates are still at historic lows – even without the credit, those considering buying a property now have an enticing market to take advantage of! Start searching now before prices and rates increase here in Sedona, Arizona!

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

Summer is here and its now the time to cool off here in Sedona!

So after a long search for properties in the blistering summer heat take time to have a cold one in one of Sedona’s cool bars.

Naturally Sedona as a community has recently become known for its winemaking, therefore wine is most definitely in order! Particularly while enjoying the view of Sedona’s beautiful red rocks! However, don’t be fooled there are local beers too.
How about stopping at the Oak Creek Brewing Co. Sedona’s only microbrewery which has five award-winning beers.Including the infamous nut-brown ale as well as amber ale, gold lager, hefeweizen and pale ale. There is live music on the patio – perhaps leave this for an evening after househunting! Closeby for food is the Oak Creek Brewery & Grill not too far away; it brews beer on-site in burnished-copper tanks.

Or how about something a little more rustic? The Olde Sedona Bar & Grill might suit! The restaurant and bar is spacious, filled with warm wood accents, and paintings and photos of red-rock country. Music, fun and frivolity abound in the spirit of the old west!

Ok, so after a full day of viewing properties, signing the contract on that dream home you are ready to party! Then the Full Moon Saloon is it! This lively establishment, located in Tequa Festival Marketplace has a dance floor, pool tables, outdoor fireplace and live music – don’t forget the karaoke! – fun for all!

What is for sure is that Sedona has such a great atmosphere that you will feel right at home wheverver you decide to stop, chill and refresh!

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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

Photography is a fascinating hobby – in Sedona we have so much worth photographing! As we have written before!

Well this year, Sedona PhotoFest 2010, a great photography competition is upon us!

Where there will be 24 world class landscape photographers, the Red Rock Open photo competition, kids photography camp, and documentary films in partnership with the Sedona Film Festival from July 18-25 all at the Sedona Arts Center.

Designed to engage all photography enthusiasts from beginner to professional, Sedona PhotoFest also features the first annual Red Rock Open photography competition. Which is the first of its kind in Northern Arizona. The Contest is open to any photographer 18 years of age and older. The entry deadline is 5:00 PM MST on July 20, 2010.

Sedona PhotoFest has developed a guide to 21 locations with best times and directions.

The public is invited to join Sedona Art Center throughout the entire month of July in this celebration of landscape photography. To compliment the Red Rock Open, the Sedona Arts Center is also giving free talks on Saturday mornings at 9am to help participants scout out the best locations. Talks will take place on July 3rd, 10th and 17th in one of the Sedona Art Center Classrooms.

The arts center is such a great community resource and this photofest is a great tool to showcase Sedona’s beauty!

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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