Newsletter -- December 2011
(Old Newsletters)
365 Reasons to Live in Sedona
"Red Rock Fantasy"
Festival of Lights
Sedona is home to many unique artistic displays but none is quite like the light show at the Los Abrigados Resort near Tlaquepaque. ‘Red Rock Fantasy’ is a light show of approximately 1 million lights arranged in displays created by local families. If you have never been to the light show we highly encourage you to experience the magic for yourselves.
From cartoon characters to the nativity scene, contestants provide unique displays of Christmas lights that put visitors in awe...
Click for more details about Sedona AZ's Red Rock Fantasy.
Holiday Cheer!
For many midwestern families getting into the Holiday Spirit is often hard to do with Sedona's desert landscape and warmer climate. Luckily Sedona Residents know how to be creative, taking great ammusement in decorating their yards with "Southwestern Holiday Apparel".
If you are like us and love driving around just to look at the unique light displays then you will enjoy Sedona's neighborhoods throughout the Holidays. From cactus’ bound with lights and tinsel to Santa & reindeer atop of Southwest style houses Sedona’s Holiday décor is very much unique!
One other fun Holiday Tradition that Sedona residents take part in...
Click for rest of article & photographs of Sedona Residents' Decorated Yards.
Buyer & Seller Tips of the Month
Buyers
There are many precautions to keep in mind when searching for the perfect Sedona Property to buy. Our tip for this month is: What Deed Restrictions you need to beware of when Purchasing a New Home or Vacant Land in Sedona AZ.
First, ask for a copy of the CC& R's (Codes, Covenants and Restrictions) as soon as you can possibly receive them. Review the contents and look for restrictions such as whether you can park an RV on your property? Also, if you are a pet owner, or plan to possibly have pets in the future, you may want to determine if pets are allowed or are restricted to a certain size or weight. If you are purchasing a piece of vacant land, you should verify the presence of guidelines you may have to follow such as:
- Are there architectural guidelines that must be followed in this subdivision?
- Are there exterior paint color restrictions?
- Are there lot coverage and/or square footage min/max?
- Are there building height restrictions, etc?
Second, is there a homeowner's association fee (HOA Fees) each month? If there is, what does the fee cover and what are the benefits that the association provides?
All of these questions should be answered prior to the conclusion of the inspection period.
For more home buying tips visit the Buyers Section of our website.
Sellers
During our years in the Sedona Real Estate Business we have learned vacant homes can experience issues that would not otherwise occur if the home was occupied. Follow our tips to Quickly &Inexpensively Winterize Your Sedona Property so your home will stand out in a good way.
- Caulk around exterior outlets
- Disconnect all hoses from hose bibs
- Make sure downspouts are draining properly - away from the foundation and are free of debris & leaves
- Prepare coverings to place over sensitive plants on cold nights
- Repair loose roof shingles and caulk cracks in stucco & roof parapets
- Replace old/worn weatherstripping around doors & windows
- Replace return air filters to maximize heating efficiency
Follow these simple tips to ensure your home is well protected. Call Rob with any questions - 928-821-3508.
For more home improvement or staging tips, visit the Sellers Section of our website.
Feature Sedona Subdivision
Firecliff Video Tour
For more information about Firecliff homes for sale or subdivision details please don’t hesitate to Contact Us at 928-821-3508 or 928-282-4166 ext 253.
Subdivision Description - Firecliff
Located in the Village of Oak Creek, the seventy-nine single family villas and several custom homes of the Firecliff community have awe-inspiring Red Rock Views. Don't take our word for it, visit the Firecliff Community for yourself!
Ready to find your Sedona AZ Firecliff Home? Click here to view a list of Firecliff Homes for Sale or Sedona Vacant Land for sale in Firecliff.
An Update from your Local Lender
What makes December a Great Time to Finance a Home?
Interest rates continue to hover in the low 4% range. These are some of the best sustained rates we have seen. When thinking about interest rates they typically stay relatively stable until the end of the year, but there is always a possibility that rates will increase. Much of the driving force for the markets right now are investors confidence in Europe, or lack their of. When thinking about a year end purchase in Sedona, many people who purchase in December will reap the benefits of these great interest rates.
What makes purchasing a home a great decision in December?
- Favorable interest rates
- Possible tax incentives for the current calendar year
- In some cases less competition in the market place for homes.
We have seen a much more stable 2011 year. In the coming year Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are opening up refinancing options for those who currently have a Fannie or Freddie owned loan. More information will follow in the upcoming articles leading to the launch of this new exciting program. Stay warm, and have a great end to 2011.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Burgueno
MLO 290524
Pinnacle Capital Mortgage
(928) 282-3200
Equal Housing Lender AZBKBR0116852
For more tips & tools, please visit the Lender's Section of our website.
Pam's Recipe of the Month
Sweet Potato Crunch
Recipe Directions
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Combine Recipe Ingredients and place into an ungreased pan. Next, Make Topping Mixture and sprinkle on top. Bake for 35 minutes, cool & enjoy!
Recipe Ingredients
- 3 Cups Sweet Potatoes (Cooked & Mashed)
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 2 Eggs Beaten
- 4 Tablespoon Melted Butter
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
Topping Mixture
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Flour
- 1 Cup Nuts
- 1/2 Cup Butter
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Our Pledge...
We know that buying and selling a home is an exciting, but stressful experience. We will do our best to make sure you are informed and comfortable throughout the process.
We know the local inventory and are up to date on current market conditions. We will be truthful in our assessments and will strive to make your dream of buying or selling a Sedona Property a success! Give us a call today and schedule an appointment to see great Sedona Real Estate Values.