• Why Live in Sedona?
• Buyers & Sellers
• Feature Subdivision
• Recipe

Things to Think About
Regarding the Sedona Market

#180 - Sedona Heritage Museum

How did Sedona get its name? Who were the first to claim Red Rock Country and cultivate Sedona soil? What was life like 100 years ago in our beloved “Sedona”? All of these questions and many more are answered at Sedona Heritage Museum, located off of Jordan road in uptown Sedona. For only $5 admission one can learn many details about the area, including the history of cattle ranching and cowboys.

The early settlers here, like all pioneering families were made of hardy stuff, as were the Native Americans whose history is simply fascinating. The Sedona Museum focuses primarily on “modern” history, since 1876 and has an extensive array of memorabilia and stories; all good information for newcomers and long-time residents alike.

Click for full article: Sedona Heritage Museum.

#109 - Sedona’s Convenience to Snowbowl Ski Resort

One perk of living here is that Sedona residents can sneak off to Snowbowl Ski Resort. While it is not as large as some of Colorado’s ski resorts, Snowbowl is perfect for that beginner/ intermediate snowboarder & skier that wants to get out in nature and shred the mountain, a.k.a experience the snow and gorgeous blue skies!

Snowbowl is located in Flagstaff, Arizona and is a quick 45 minutes from Sedona’s Red Rocks. For many Sedona residents, winter weather means lots of trips up the Oak Creek Canyon to play in the snow of Flagstaff. As many of you know, Sedona’s winters consist of warm weather with sparse snowfalls that typically melt by noon the following day. That is why Sedona’s proximity to Snowbowl (and Flagstaff in general) allows the community of Sedona to experience seasons such as winter snowstorms.

Click for full article: Sedona’s Convenience to Snowbowl Ski Resort.

Buyers

Get Your Peace of Mind After Closing

Buying a Sedona home can look somewhat like the following whirlwind process… Upon completion of your property search, and after you locate your dream property; your Sedona Realtor will negotiate on your behalf. After you have read the disclosures, and the inspections have taken place, escrow/title documents will be signed…then bam! Your Realtor hands you the key and you’re now a Sedona Home Owner! The stress is over and new home ownership bliss sets in.

This is where we’d like to make a few suggestions. Because Sedona is primarily a second home & retirement community, it is important to have peace of mind while you’re away.

1. Change the locks: During the process of listing and selling a home, keys fall into the hands of many people - contractors, handymen, realtors, photographers, inspectors, appraisers, cleaners, etc. Although we have a great working relationship(s) with all of these affiliates, and trust their integrity, it’s better to be safe than sorry… get the locks changed. If any repairs are needed before move-in, we do recommend that you change the locks after all of the work has been completed.
2. Get a Security System and/or Cameras: Living in Sedona since 1979, we feel that Sedona is a safe place for us to call home. However, just as in any town, take the proper precautions to avoid tough situations regarding the safety of your family & your property. With the improvement in technology, Security systems and cameras are a deterrent and a great way to keep an eye on your property while you are away.
3. Visual Inspections: Nothing beats good ole’ fashion nosey neighbors when it comes to the safety of your property (we mean that in the most endearing way possible). If you have neighbors that can occasionally stop by your house, let them! They’ll be able to check all access points and also catch potential weather damage such as a roof leak before major harm is caused.

If you need a few names of locksmiths and/or security companies don’t hesitate to contact us. As for the neighborhood contacts, get socializing…they’re your neighbors, not ours!

For more home buying tips, click for our Sedona Home Buying Guide.

Sellers

Get a Thick Skin

Real Estate to most people is emotional – it’s their home, it’s the place that they raise their family, it’s where they break bread every night and so on. On the flipside, Real Estate to some is simply an investment that you can consume. Over the last 30 years, we have moved approximately every 2-5 years, therefore developing a "home is where the heart is" mentality. That mentality allows us to understand our clients’ emotions, their hesitations during the home selling process, as well as to help overcome those struggles.

Below are a few scenarios which a seller can let their emotions get the best of them & how to avoid it:

1. Showing Feedback: Here’s the good news…it doesn’t matter what every buyer thinks, only one is going to purchase your house. The reality is that most homes have numerous showings prior to the ultimate buyer previewing the property. This means you’ll receive all sorts of feedback about your home. It is important to not take to heart blunt feedback on your preferences. Not everyone will love your décor or understand that your home has to have stairs in order to see that wonderful Sedona view. Be proactive and consult with your realtor when feedback is given about items that you can change or improve upon. Although someone thinks that remodeling your kitchen will help the home sell, it doesn’t mean it is in your best financial interest to do so. Make sure you, with your realtor’s help, make wise investment decisions.
2. Lowball Offers: There have been countless times in our career of selling $155+ Million of Real Estate when sellers receive a low offer and immediately get offended because they feel their property is worth more. They often want to outright reject the offer and refuse to negotiate. Our suggestion – overcome your frustration and respond with a figure that you would consider. If you want to sell your home, the negotiations have to start somewhere…and it does you better to check your emotions at the door and to make a counter offer, than to get huffy & puffy and to tell the buyer how great your house is. On a side note, this is exactly why you hire Realtors. With proper representation you can negotiate and receive the highest fair market value for your property without hearing all of the noise unnecessary during the process.
3. Monopolization of Your Time: Once you get an offer accepted, the inspection period begins. This means inspectors, appraisers, handymen/contractors, interior designers and possibly extended family & friends will now schedule time to get into your property. Last minute showings were bad enough, now while you’re in the process of scheduling your move and locating your next residence, people are asking to see your home. These showings and inspections are very important. Please make every effort to accommodate any and all showings or appointments. Your flexibility may just be the thing that ultimately sells your house. Keep in mind, us Realtors do our best to schedule multiple inspections and appointments close together, hoping to interrupt you as least as possible. Our advice to you is to find something to occupy your time during showings…run errands, take your pets for a walk, see a movie, read your book…just don’t sit in your car waiting for the appointment to be over.

All in all, our advice is that once you list your home, remove your emotional attachment to it. Get a thick skin and rely on your Sedona Realtor during this process.

For more Selling Tips, or ideas to Stage Your Home, visit the Sedona Property Selling Tips on our website.

Casa Contenta

Nestled deep in the Red Rocks of West Sedona, Casa Contenta has dynamic views of some of Sedona's most photographed Red Rock Formations. This gated community has been full of luxury homes, mature landscaping and awesome amenities.

For more information about Casa Contenta Properties for sale or Subdivision Details please don’t hesitate to Contact Us at 928.821.3508 or 928.282.4166 ext 253.

Casa Contenta

Featured Properties

25 Notch Drive

One of the most spectacular settings with panoramic 270 degree Red Rock views! Beautiful wraparound Trex decking to enjoy the famous Cathedral Rock and Twin Butte views. From the moment you enter this pavered driveway to the Spanish courtyard , you will notice this is a special property. Built with privacy and views in mind, this home offers high wood beamed cathedral ceilings with walls of glass...

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For more features & information on this Sedona Home please Email Rob & Pam - or give us a call 928.821.3508.

700 Dry Creek Road

Own a piece of the Sedona dream which was voted "Most Beautiful Place to Live". Two parcels totaling 4.64 acres in sought after West Sedona. Horses Allowed. Located on Dry Creek Road in corridor of luxury horse properties. Red Rock Views. Call us today so we can walk these lots with you.

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Call Rob for more details about this opportunity to own Sedona Land - 928.821.3508 or Email Us.

Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) tuna steaks
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 anchovy fillet, drained and minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon drained capers
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Directions

• Season the fish with salt and pepper.
• Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until nearly at desired degree of doneness. (It will continue cooking a little more as it sits). Remove from the pan and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
• Add the garlic and anchovy and cook, stirring, 1 minute, until garlic is no longer raw.
• Add the tomatoes, olives, capers and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down, about 2 minutes.
• Serve the topping over the fish; sprinkle with the parsley.

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