However we bring exciting news, courtesy of the Red Rock News that a Sedona nonprofit named Recycling Nonprofit of Year.

The Sedona Recycles Inc. are delighted about a state-level award the organization recently received. The company was named the Recycling Nonprofit of the Year by the Arizona Recycling Coalition.

The Small Business of the Year award recipient created the plaque with the Arizona flag in the shape of the state in the center surrounded by the three recycle arrows. Around the edge of the plaque are flowers made from recycled soda bottles.

The organization’s mission is to serve the Sedona and Verde Valley communities through public education and responsible resource recovery, and to promote and provide opportunities to use the three “R’s” – reduce, reuse and recycle. They take paper, cardboard and paperboard, glass, steel, aluminum, plastics numbers one through seven, batteries, electronics, ink-jet printer and laser toner cartridges, and clothing, shoes, toys and small household items.

Sedona Recycles offers 13 free recycling drop-off sites for people to deposit the recyclable materials they collect at their homes or businesses with a total 110 dumpsters. They process about 15 tons of material a day! Which is alot of recyclable goods!

They have extensive local education programs and provide recycle bins to local organizations including schools!

In short, Sedona has great community involvement when it comes to going green. Sedona’s community involvement is part of what make its an ideal relocation destination!

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

The economy is all we hear about on the news! However this latest data from Sedona and the Verde Valley on Sales Tax revenue may come as a surprise.

Numbers are up – what does this mean? Well, it means that people are spending more in the area. Locals, visitors, the lot! Showing that the economy is improving.

Except for Camp Verde, all communities in the Verde Valley and Sedona posted gains in sales tax revenue for July over the same month last year.

Sedona in July moved into positive numbers in both retail and total sales tax categories. Retail tax revenue was up from $244,689 last July to $258,063 this year. The total sales tax collections for all categories were up to $1,140,395 for July from $1,073,215 last year.

This is very important! Even in home sales – despite a fall in the level of actual sales, there is some positive news.

Nationally the news on homesales is not as good as it has been in recent months according to the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, NAR’s Chief Economist has said that slightly lower numbers may continue for a few more months after the surge of buyers but that they should level out due to the high level of affordability.

Despite that annual sales are expected to reach 5 million in 2010 because of healthy activity in the first half of the year. This means 2010 is a great year as annual sales averaged 4.9 million in the past 20 years, and 4.4 million over the past 30 years! Mortgage rates are still at historic lows according to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to a record low 4.42 percent last week!

On prices, the national median existing-home price for all housing types was up 0.7% from a year ago, Single-family median existing-home prices were higher in 11 out of 19 metropolitan statistical areas reported in July in comparison with July 2009. Also, raw unsold inventory is 12.9% below July 2008 numbers. The level of investor purchases also increased with investors accounting for 19% of sales in July, up from 13% in June. So despite actual sales being lower there is alot of positive news in NAR’s findings.

It confirms what we have been saying, that now is the time to invest in Sedona Arizona Real Estate!

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

With such a packed social schedule in Sedona who has the time for anything!

Coming up the weekend of September 25th & 26th Sedona’s airport will open its doors and feature the 2010 Sedona Winefest.

The Sedona Winefest will be joined by the airport’s traditional airport open house and fly in, and the classic car show on September 25. This is an event that is not to be missed as it is dubbed as Arizona’s wine tasting event of the year!

For those aviation enthusiasts, you will be pleased to know that there will be great aircraft on display, including the famous 1929 Ford Tri Motor. The classic car display will include hot rods, antiques, trucks, street cars and more!

Winefest actually celebrates the wine growing industry in Arizona – particularly in Verde Valley – as we have written before, Sedona and its surrounding area plays an important part in this growing industry.

However, being Sedona, of course the arts are not left out! The Sedona Arts Center will be also be at the Winefest with their “Artists in Action” program,  where over a dozen artists who are also instructors at the art center demonstrate their artistic skills!

Sedona has so much to offer so many! No wonder it is a top relocation destination!

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

Life changing events can often facilitate the need to relocate whether locally, regionally, nationally or even internationally. If you are up-sizing, down-sizing or staying in the same size house there are always many considerations to answer that age old question:

IS MOVING THE BEST THING RIGHT NOW?

Well, in order to answer this question you need to consider the following:

Income – A big house can mean big bills!  But it can also mean, a higher mortgage payment. Is your income stable enough that you can take on this?

Equity – This goes hand in hand with income, if you have equity will you use all of it for a new home or use some of it for other things – again consider your finances carefully.

Rates – Interest rates make a big difference, right now rates are still at history lows of around 5%! However, for those that remember, back in February 1983 rates were around 13% – this makes a huge difference in payments! RATES ARE GREAT RIGHT NOW! Definitely the right time to buy in Sedona.

Wish List – Think about what you want from your new home, closeness to schools, commuting distance from work and more. Or if a second home in Sedona consider proximity to attractions, art galleries and more!

Market Conditions – contact Ault & Associates for the latest on Sedona Arizona and other Verde Valley community’s Market Conditions.

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

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

Excitingly Sedona is about to welcome a new art gallery to its fantastic art scene!

The Spirit Dancer Fine Art Gallery will be opened by Sedona Mayor Rob Adams during the First Friday Art Walk June 4th 2010 between 5 – 8 pm.

Located adjacent to Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village in Sedona, the gallery’s opening itself will put visitors in contact with many wonderful artists and their works, including Kaayla Fox, William Crutchfield, Angel Lightfeather, Villery Joseph Mitchell, Elizabeth Silk, Sally Bowen, Troy Hicks, Heather Molans and Marita Gale. The gallery aims to provide a wonderful experience of fabulous art at its best.

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

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:

\
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!

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

Sedona Taste is an event that draws out the locals as well as visitors from afar!

This event is in its 15th year and will be held on June 13, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Los Abrigados Resort and Spa, located off Highway 89A at 160 Portal Lane. Tickets are $60 per person and include access to fine food and beverages from some of the area’s most esteemed restaurants, wine and beer vendors and more!

Also, the event will include a silent auction for jewelry, art, restaurant gift certificates, fitness packages and getaways. This is an event not to be missed!

The event is sponsored again by Pink Jeep Tours – which celebrates its 50th year this year. This company has become a true part of the Sedona landscape – as much as the red rocks themselves which they show off to tourists all year round! They have sponsored the event since 2001.

Tickets for the Sedona Taste can be purchased at www.apositiveplace.org or by calling 928-282-0122

Sedona really is a great place to live, work and play – why not make it your home? – TODAY!

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

Time is running out – the clock is well and truely ticking on “FREE MONEY”!

Everyone is busy. busy as remember there are only days left before the deadline ends for the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit at the end of April 2010! [Remember our post last month? How to Claim The Tax Credit]

Here is what you need to do – courtesy of NAR:

• Remember to close on your home purchase between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, or have a binding written contract in place by April 30, 2010 with a closing date no later than June 30, 2010.

Then the choice is yours – decide whether to:

• apply the credit to your 2009 tax return, filed on or before April 15, 2010;
• file an amended 2009 return; or, apply the credit on your 2010 return, filed on or before April 15, 2011.

REMEMBER TO ATTACH DOCUMENTION OF THE PURCHASE TO YOUR RETURN!

Don’t forget that the tax credit offers the following:

Time really is of the essence with these tax credits – there are just days left, so that time to act is now! Right now we are on the turning point of losing the best buyers market for years coupled with great interest rates and more and more mortgage products coming to the market it is unlikely that we will see such favorable conditions again for years to come.  Now is your chance to grab a new home in Sedona Arizona and the surrounding areas TODAY!

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

Part of the Verde River in 1984 became the states first designated Wild and Scenic River. There was consideration at the time of extending the designation to other parts of the river, however the proposals were dropped.

However there has been a group keeping the idea alive as they recognize the need to protect the area. This month the group has put forward again proposals to extend the designation. This would include approximately 30 miles of wild river, 10 miles of scenic river and about eight miles designated for recreational use.

Congress passed the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1968 as a way of protecting some of the nation’s most unique waterways. The act prevents federal water projects such as dams or diversions. It also maintains both the quantity and quality of the water. Under the act, rivers are designated as wild, scenic or recreational.

Wild river areas – Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments and gener-ally inaccessible except by trail, with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. These represent vestiges of primitive America.

Scenic river areas – Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads.

Recreational river areas – Those rivers or sections of rivers that are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some impoundment or diversion in the past. – Great for hiking!

Sedona and the surrounding area offer some of the nations most beautiful scenery and are worth protecting. Many people consider relocating to Sedona for the scenery and fantastic outdoor lifestyle.

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

Sedona Mortgage Market – Now could be a great time to refinance your mortgage according to an article by Realty Times.

Right now there are a ton of federal programs that you could miss out on if you choose not to reginance now! They could save you money and help in the economic recovery – Federal mortgage refinance programs have given more than 2 million homeowners refinance their home loans to help them save money on their mortgage payment and stay in their homes.

In fact, around 2.2 million homeowners have saved an average of $120 a month on their payment. a 10.5% reduction from their previous payment. Refinance activity will result in $2.3 BILLION in mortgage payment savings for borrowers who refinanced in the first half of 2009. Over the next five years those savings for 2009 will grow to $11.5 BILLION!

Also, now homeowners do not need to look just to their existing lender/servicer for refinance options. Since Oct. 1, 2009, homeowners got the option to shop around and refinance through any Fannie or Freddie lender.

In addition to lowering your monthly payment, a refinanced mortgage can move you to a fixed or adjustable rate, shorten the term of your home loan, or let you tap home equity – with a lender’s approval.

Rates are stable and LOW! Hovering around the 5% mark. – Having low rates means that now is the best chance to buy a home before rates rise and prices go up again! Now could be the best chance to take advantage of the market as the recovery continues.

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