Newsletter -- July 2014
(Old Newsletters)
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365 Reasons to Live in Sedona
#158 - Lake Roosevelt
A reason we love living in Sedona is our central location. What’s better than spending a couple nights camping right next to water? Absolutely nothing! A good place to go is Lake Roosevelt, just three hours from Sedona, and it is a great place to go have fun with the entire family!
Lake Roosevelt has a lot to offer for all types of outdoor-sy people. If you own a boat, bring it. If you own a tube, perfect! If you have float toys, bring them too! Lake Roosevelt can be a day trip from Sedona or you can make a weekend out of it! There are places to camp on the beach or park a trailer to sleep in.
Lake Roosevelt is located...
Click for full article: Sedona’s Perfect Summer Weather!.
#157 – Soldiers Pass
If you want to escape the chaos of everyday life and get in touch with the simpler things, there’s a hidden treasure to discover right in the heart of Sedona. A trail called Soldiers Pass, which is 2.5 miles in length and is suitable for most hikers. This hike features not only one, but two 'must sees'!
The first must see landmark is the Seven Sacred Pools. These pools are breathtaking, naturally formed indentations that vary in size. They are considered sacred because the larger pools carry water year round despite Sedona’s dry desert climate. Another reason this is a perfect place to stop is because local wildlife, such as coyotes and javelina, use the pools as a watering hole.
The second site is called the Devil’s Sink Hole. A large area...
Click for full article: Sedona AZ Horse Trails.
Buyer & Seller Tips of the Month
Buyers
Get a Local Property Manager’s Opinion
Investors are still sniffing around Sedona Real Estate. If you are looking to invest in a new Sedona Property, we suggest that you make contact with a local property manager early in your process. Below are some of our suggestions when determining if your identified property is the best fit for your real estate portfolio.
Interview a couple of Property Managers – some companies specialize is specific areas of Sedona, i.e. West Sedona or the Village of Oak Creek. They also may have more experience when dealing with condos or single family homes, furnished vs. unfurnished homes, vacation rentals vs. long term rentals. Learn as much about the company and agent as you can up front. Their services and fees are important when factoring your overall costs of this investment.
We also suggest that you keep your questions to the Property Managers broad in scope until you have your desired property under contract. You never want to tip your hand as to which property may be a good investment without being able to control the outcome. You never know who could sneak in and create a bidding war for your designated property. In your inspection period is the best time to ask specific property questions.
Ask for a range of possible rents – Remember that rents fluctuate similar to sales prices. Have multiple property managers give you a range of what to expect if your vacancy happens at different times of the year. We also should expect a variation in rental rates for tenants seeking longer rentals. Vacation rentals or shorter rentals should see an uptick in monthly rates. Longer lease terms should be slightly less.
Don’t forget that the city of Sedona and the two surrounding counties –Yavapai and Coconino Counties - currently have a 30-day minimum rental requirement for the majority of Sedona Properties. That means you cannot legal rent a property by the night or week unless the home resides in a specially designated area. Contact Us for more information about those areas that do allow Short-Term Vacation Rentals.
Ask for a potential vacancy rate – It’s great to know the range of rents, but we also suggest that you learn how likely you are to receive those rental payments. Some local Property Management Companies have fairly large databases to track against. If they have a good idea of your area or house size/features, they may be able to give you a clear picture of how easily or tough it will be to have renters occupy your Sedona Property.
If you have any other questions about potential Sedona Real Estate as an investment, don’t hesitate to Contact Us or call Rob at 928.821.3508.
For more home buying tips, click for our Sedona Home Buying Guide.
Sellers
Keep Track of Your Utility Bills
Recently we have noticed a shift with some buyers in regards to their decision making factors. One trend that we see becoming more important to buyers is the cost of “running the home.” More specifically, buyers are interested in what the utility expenses will be for their new Sedona Home. One way to stand apart from your competition is to provide the buyers with the information that they are seeking. Consider putting together a packet of your past utility bills for buyers to peruse during showing appointments. Below is a guide of items to consider:
Heating & Cooling Averages – We suggest that you keep a collection of the previous 12 months electric & gas bills. This will show the potential buyer the fluctuation(s) between heating and cooling the home, varying season-to-season.
Solar Price Quote – More and more buyers are interested in solar options for their Sedona Property. If your property has solar alternatives, make sure your listing agent mentions these upgrades in the marketing remarks on your listing. If you have not made the leap towards solar improvements, consider getting a price quote from a reputable installer in order to provide buyers with this estimate.
Water bills - Properties that have extensive landscaping or an in ground pool or spa sometimes experience a negative reaction from buyers. Their major concerns are upkeep and water usage. Having handy a similar 12 month group of past bills will allow buyers to see how much water was used during our drier seasons through our wet, monsoon season.
Internet, TV & Communication – We see more and more buyers relocating from larger US cities that expect to have similar communication options. With streaming services (i.e. Netflix, Hulu, etc.), high speed internet demands, and entertainment needs, buyers want to know what to expect in your “neck of the woods”. They want to know what they can get and how much it will cost them. Providing what services you currently use and/or what options you have available to your Sedona Home will speed up the process of buyer inquiries.
Insurance Cost – Along with property taxes (available to buyers on the county website), the cost to insure the property is a relative concern for new buyers. Providing the last statement for your annual home owner’s policy may ease concerns for uneducated buyers. Giving them a real-world example to make a better decision by may be the factor necessary to set your Sedona Property apart from the competition.
One other good report to provide for the buyers would be a copy of a recent Insurance Claims History. You are required by the purchase contract to provide one during the inspection period. Why not provide it early and demonstrate to potential buyers that you are not worried about hiding the truth about your Sedona Home?
Remember that knowledge is power. Help the buyers avoid as much uncertainty as possible and that may help leapfrog your Sedona Property ahead of the competition. If you have any questions about what to add to your Utility Bill Packet, Contact Us or call Rob at 928.821.3508.
For more Selling Tips, or ideas to Stage Your Home, visit the Sedona Property Selling Tips on our website.
Feature Sedona Subdivision
Saddlerock Video Tour
Saddlerock Subdivision in West Sedona AZ has larger lots with views ranging from good to astounding. Living in the Saddlerock subdivision means you are close to all services in West Sedona.
For more information about Saddlerock Property for sale or Subdivision Details please don’t hesitate to Contact Us at 928.821.3508 or 928.282.4166 ext 253.
Saddlerock Property Listings
Did you enjoy the video tour of this subdivision? Take a look at the links below and see if there are any homes or vacant land available that meets your needs. Saddlerock, located in the West Sedona area of Sedona, is a great place to enjoy Red Rock Views and access to all Sedona amenities! Click below to view:
Featured Properties
1425 Chavez Ranch Rd
Let the sound of Oak Creek lull you to sleep in this park-like setting. Truly Unique property, nestled on 2+ acres with 170 feet of Oak Creek frontage. Deeded irrigation rights. Contemporary, well built home...
Click for More InformationFor more features & information on this West Sedona Home please Email Rob & Pam - or give us a call 928.821.3508.
3175 Calle Del Arroyo
One of the finest gated subdivisions in West Sedona, Foothills South. Unblockable view corridor. Panoramic views from this lot located at end of cul-de-sac. Sewer Available. Plans and Renderings available upon request...
Click for More InformationCall Rob for more details - 928.821.3508 or Email Us.
Local Lender Update
Summer is here and many are enjoying all it brings. In the mortgage world we are enjoying better interest rates with these summer days. When investors take vacations, and put money into safer investments like United States bonds and mortgage backed securities, summer can be just the right time to land some of the best rates of the year. If you are looking to save some money, now may be a great time to lower your interest rate.
Homes are very desirable here in the Verde Valley. Interest rates are expected to increase in the long term, so if you are in the market for a home it may make sense to jump on these low interest rates while you still can. If you have any questions do not hesitate to pick up the phone or send an email.
Jonathan Burgueno
Mortgage Advisor MLO 290524
Pinnacle Capital Mortgage
Branch Manager
(928) 282-3200
Equal Housing Lender AZBKBR0116852
For more tips & tools, please visit the Lender's Section of our website.
Recipe of the Month
Crispy Gnocchi with Basil Pesto
Makes 4 Servings in 25 Minutes - Courtesy of Two Peas and Their Pod
Ingredients
Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (1 lb.)package potato gnocchi
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions
- Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor or blender and pulse until coarsely chopped.
- With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil and process until smooth.
- Add the cheese and pulse until combined.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Set aside.
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions.
- Drain completely.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the gnocchi in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, until golden and crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Turn the gnocchi and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 3 more minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the pesto.
- You might have leftover pesto.
- Serve warm and garnish with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Please Help Us Improve
Service Reviews have become a hot commodity on the web. We can tell future clients how hard we will work for them, but it always comes better from a third party. If you haven't had a chance, please take a moment and let us know how we did. For those of you that have already helped out, thank you once again.
If you have any difficulty, let us know and we can walk you through the process. Thanks again for your time!
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 Deals.