SEDONA IS LISTED IN THE TOP 100 SECOND HOME MARKETS IN THE COUNTRY.  A BIG PLUS FOR BUYER'S TO BUY NOW.   THE OTHER AREAS IN ARIZONA WERE SCOTTSDALE AND THE WHITE MOUNTAINS.   THE U.S CENSUS BUREAU RANKS ARIZONA IN THE TOP 10 MARKETS HAVING THE HIGHEST % OF VACATION AND SECOND HOMES BASED ON POPULATION.  AND THIS ISN'T SURPRISING - WEATHER IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST CONSIDERATIONS FOR PEOPLE SEEKING A SECOND HOME.  04/08/2008

With winter over, the longer days of spring are more reason than ever to book a Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona. For the month of April, receive a 10% discount off adult prices for all tours departing at 7:00 a.m. This promotion is valid April 1 through April 30, 2008, for tours booked at least 24 hours in advance directly through Pink Jeep Tours at 800-873-3662.  Not valid with any other discount or promotion.Whether visitors are seeking rugged adventure, Native American history and culture, nature, geology, or panoramic vistas, Pink Jeep Tours over 45 years of experience and award-winning excursions are known as the premier "must-do" tours in Sedona.Pink Jeep Tours, the premier adventure tour company of Northern Arizona, was founded in 1960 and has its corporate headquarters in Sedona, Arizo... 04/08/2008

The first annual Sedona Bike Bash is scheduled for Saturday, April 12 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm  Sedona Bike & Bean will present this bicycle festival with co-sponsor and host the Sedona Heritage Museum.  The festival will be based at the Museum at 735 Jordan Rd just off the main street in Uptown Sedona.  The day-long event will begin with breakfast at 8:00 am.  Breakfast will include cereals, bagels, fruit and beverages.  All-day activities begin right away including videos and music in the historic Packing Shed.  After breakfast, attendees can wander the festival expo area which will host vendors like Brodie, Bionicon, Titus, and Hayes Performance.  The bicycle industry representatives will be showing and demonstrating innovative bicycling products.  Test-rides on some of the newest bik... 04/08/2008

John Wayne, Randolph Scott, Robert Taylor, Barbara Stanwyck, Burt Lancaster, Robert Mitchum, Ray Milland, Heddy Lamarr, Tyrone Power, Maureen O'Hara, James Stewart, Glenn Ford, Sterling Hayden, and Henry Fonda. "Billy the Kid," "Tall in the Saddle," "Angel and the Badman, "Desert Fury", "Blood on the Moon", "Copper Canyon", "Broken Arrow," "Pony Soldier," "Johnny Guitar," and "The Rounders". These are but a few of the over fifty western movies and their stars that were filmed in Sedona between 1930 and 1965. We can still see many of them on television today. Sedona has doubled for "Virginia City," "California," "The Texas Trail," "Cheyenne," "Albuquerque," Colorado, Montana, Kansas and Oklahoma.Although the Kings Ransom Quality Inn now sits where the Sedona Lodge for the motion picture ... 04/07/2008

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO BUY?  WHY WAIT!  SEDONA RESIDENTIAL HOMES HAVE DROPPED BY 2% EACH MONTH FOR AN AVERAGE OF 25% FOR THE YEAR. AND IT SEEMS THAT WILL CONTINUE.  SO SELLERS... PRICE YOUR HOME AHEAD OF THE MARKET KNOWING FULL WELL THAT YOU WILL GET AN OFFER LESS THAN THAT PRICE AND NEGOTIATE IT UP.   FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL ME AT 800-975-5943 OR EMAIL ME AT barbara@barbarabaker.com     04/05/2008

Right on schedule the Buzzards have returned to the Beaver Creek communities (Rimrock, Lake Montezuma and McGuireville). The large birds sometimes known as Turkey Vultures roost in a huge Sycamore tree when not out soaring on the air currents. The centuries old tree is located just outside of Sycamore Park ... the venue for the 2nd Annual Buzzard Rendezvous.More than 300 friendly people enjoyed the food, music and educational programs sponsored by the Beaver Creek Kiwanis and various other local groups.The barbecue competition resulted in a variety of award-winning foods cooked in everything from your common Weber grill, to a converted water heater, to custom smokers, to solar heat. The meats included pork, beef and chicken ... but no buzzards! Peach cobbler cooked in heavy cast iron po... 04/02/2008

2008 is the year the Beaver Creek communities (Rimrock, Lake Montezuma and McGuireville) got together for the biggest Easter Egg Hunt ever. Our local Kiwanis club organized the event held at Sycamore Park. Generous contributions were made by many and led by the Sedona Safeway. In all, eight thousand plastic eggs were stuffed with prizes ... some as simple as a Tootsie Roll. Other eggs contained notes referencing gifts of baskets, stuffed animals, remote control cars, hobby horses and other age appropriate gifts. 12 very lucky winners went home with brand new bicycles! Over 250 children were involved in the hunt accompanied by parents and relatives. 03/31/2008

Living just outside of Sedona, Arizona enjoying the rural suburbs with my wife. Transplants from the east coast after 9/11 changed our perspectives and priorities on life. We were drawn to the Beaver Creek community by fresh air, moderate temperatures, open space and outdoor activities.My previous experiences in the corporate world (engineering, marketing and management) now support me with the skills to enjoy being a full time REALTOR®. I studied to become an Accredited Buyer Representative and Senior Real Estate Specialist. I participate in local issues by being a charter member of the Beaver Creek Regional Council. As a Kiwanis member it's All About Kids. Montezuma Well is a unique National Monument just down the road. I am a founding member of Friends of the Well.My wife is passiona... 03/31/2008

 WELL.. IT SEEMS THAT IN OUR SEDONA AND VERDE VALLEY MARKET PLACE... WE HAVE MANY MORE HOMES ACCEPTING A BUYER'S CONTINGENCY THAN IN A LONG WHILE.  THERE ARE CURRENTLY 141 HOMES UNDER CONTRACT. OF THOSE 141 HOMES OVER 80% ARE DEALING WITH BUYER'S WHO HAVE TO SELL THEIR CURRENT PROPERTY IN ORDER TO CLOSE.  80%.  THAT NUMBER IS STAGGERING FOR SEDONA. BUT TRUE.  SO SELLER'S BE PREPARED TO TAKE A BUYER CONTINGENCY AS LONG AS THE BUYER'S CURRENT HOME IS PRICED RIGHT AND IS IN A SOLID MARKETPLACE.  IF ANYONE HAS ANY OTHER QUESTIONS.... PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME AT 800-975-5943 OR EMAIL ME AT BARBARA@BARBARABAKER.COM.   03/27/2008

Well, he doesn't really own a home in Sedona, but he loves the area and has a home just outside the city limits in Cornville, AZ.  When he dropped out of the presidential race 4 years ago (or was it 8) he hosted a huge press conference atop Airport Mesa right in West Sedona.  He's a big fan of the area and always mentions his "home in Sedona".  Which brings the following thought to mind... if he's elected president will it affect the Sedona real estate market??  There have already been prelim meetings with Police, Fire, and the Sedona Airport to discuss new protocols if he should make the office.  I wonder how the market in Crawford TX, Kennebunkport Maine, and Chappaquidick (sp?) NY were affected.... and ideas??? read more about Sedona real estate 03/20/2008

Spring has come early in the Sedona Luxury Real Estate Market - there's been a flurry of activity already this year in the $1M-$1.5M range.  There are currently a handful in escrow and lots of other lookers trying to negotiate a deal in this range.   Activity seems to be high right now... it doesn't hurt that it will be 70 degrees or more and no clouds for a few months.  That always makes an impression on people from out the area.   It also helps that prices are reasonable due to the increased inventory.  (that is to say... sellers realize the increased inventory and most have made adjustments to price accordingly)  The $2M+ range is lagging, but they're getting some looks too - nothing in writing just yet though.  Read more and see Luxury Sedona Real Estate   03/19/2008

Springtime is here in Sedona and with it come the travelers and sunseekers from all over the country.  This year we're also seeing a fair number of investors coming back to town due to the fantastic deals that can be had in just about every price category.   No matter what price range buyers look in... they'll find a smattering of underpriced homes that can only make them smile.  For a while it was the under $600k market that saw it's fair share of short sales and foreclosures, but now there are some in the $800-$1M range and some over $1M as well...  They're changing the look of Sedona real estate and if you're a buyer that's been waiting for an opportunity to purchase Sedona Real Estate on the cheap - then now's the time.  Future prospects for Sedona properties are still good - I woul... 03/19/2008

A FEW DAYS AGO I BLOGGED ABOUT THE MOST RECENT TRENDS IN THE RESIDENTIAL RESALE MARKET IN SEDONA...AND I HAD SAID THAT IT WASN'T A PRETTY PICTURE... THE VACANT LAND SALES IN SEDONA SO BAD.... THERE ISN'T EVEN A PICTURE.  SINCE THE BEGINNING OF JANUARY THERE HAVE BEEN ONLY 7 SALES OF VACANT LAND (AND I HAVE SOLD 4 OF THOSE).  THERE ARE 433 ACTIVES ON THE MARKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUYER'S TAKE YOUR PICK!  FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY AT 800-975-5943 OR WWW.BARBARABAKER.COM 03/16/2008

COMPARING SEDONA MARKET CONDITIONS FROM NOW VS. THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR... IT ISN'T A PRETTY PICTURE.  THE NUMBER OF SOLD HOMES IS 18 VS 40 AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR.  THE MEDIAN PRICE HAS DROPPED FROM $592,000 TO $506,000 AND THE NUMBER OF ACTIVES IS 590. THE NUMBER OF PENDINGS ARE 41 AND THE MARKET TIME HAS INCREASED FROM 124 DAYS ON THE MARKET TO 162 DAYS ON THE MARKET.  IT IS AND WILL REMAIN A STRONG BUYER'S MARKET.  SELLERS - ATTENTION! PRICE AHEAD OF THE MARKET - TO ATTRACT THE SMALL POOL OF BUYERS THAT ARE OUT THERE.  CALL ME AT 800-975-5943 OR EMAIL ME AT BARBARA@BARBARABAKER.COM OR VISIT ON THE WEB AT WWW.BARBARABAKER.COM  03/09/2008

The president's plan to relieve homeowners is about to take place.  My understanding is that the limits for conventional loans will be pushed up in Yavapai County.  That is to say... you'll be able to obtain a loan for up to the low 700k range as a normal loan.  In the past, anything over 417,000 was a JUMBO loan - requiring more paperwork, effort and additional cost (in the way of higher rates).  This effectively pushes the Jumbo rate up to the mid 700's and above.  This will help Sedona area homebuyers because our pricing is higher than the national average.  This should fuel a rise in refinances and also home purchases in the area.  Currently there's a lot of inventory of homes over 800k... but this should convince a few people who are on the fence into buying.  Look for inventory to... 03/05/2008

I've heard of a case that shows how lenders are tightening up... and this might help you when looking for a Sedona home.  Recently, a self-employed buyer with 750+ credit score was trying to buy a Sedona home with 20% down.  A certain lender told the buyer that because the market is sliding, that he'd need to put an additional 5% down to secure the loan.  The buyer ended up shopping the loan with a few other local lenders and found one quickly who would lend money to him.  These tight restrictions are starting to affect us here in town, but if you look around, there are plenty of good local lenders to steer you though the process without a scratch.  This is just another reason to use local lenders when you buy a home in Sedona! Sedona Real Estate 03/05/2008

I understand through a few channels that local appraisers aren't using Short Sales and Foreclosures when evaluating market value of properties that are not in distress.  My take is that this is a good thing, but what do you think??? Sedona Real Estate 03/05/2008

Our busy buyer seasons for Sedona Real Estate are Spring and Fall.  Although most of the country wouldn't call this spring - the weather is nice and it's feeling like spring (especially when you see the number of visitors in town right now!).  Buyer activity has picked up dramatically with many people looking at the 400+ homes currently available in Sedona.  There are so many deals to be had through short sale, stressed sale, foreclosure that it's bringing the average sale price down and starting to affect the sellers that aren't stressed to sell.  Bottom line - it's a great time to be a buyer in the Sedona Real Estate market.www.sedonahomesandland.com 02/21/2008

Well, our busy season for the Sedona Real Estate market is due to start in a few days.  Generally we're supposed to be slow during the first 6 weeks of the year, but this year has changed.  I'm guessing that the huge number of properties on market and low prices have been driving the current Sedona Real Estate Market.  There are deals in every price category and buyers have kicked the year off snatching up the best deals in the area.  If you're looking to buy in Sedona, I don't think you'll find a much better time to buy.  Inventory is high, prices are low, and sellers are negotiating because some need to sell.  www.sedonahomesandland.com 02/11/2008

What markets are still Selling? The markets that are still relatively "Hot" in the Verde Valley are the markets that are priced under $250,000 and located in the thriving, booming town of Cottonwood - where a family can still afford to live!  These sales mainly comprise first time home buyers, or retirees, or buyer's who had been pushed out of the market place.  An intereting side note, the number of solds for December for Sedona and the Verde Valley was better than then number of solds in January -  56 compared to 40.  Let's see where the next few months take us.  Hopefully with the FEDS latest rate cut - we will start to see some of the higher priced sedona homes (over 400,000 and above) go under contract.  STRONG BUYER'S MARKET.  BJUYER'S COME BUY!  02/04/2008