Beth's Sedona AZ Real Estate Blog

IndyMac/One West Bank - Is it my imagination or are they doing all possible to STONEWALL this short sale?!?!?!

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:12:57 -0500

I am completely disgusted with IndyMac. Has anybody else had them try to REFUSE to even LOOK at a short sale package because it wasn't submitted 14 days prior to Trustee's Sale date (or 15 depending on who you talk to or what side of the bed they got out on that day)?

***RANT WARNING***

I've been communicating with them since Feb 09 on this file.

The homeowner tried diligently to refinance or obtain a loan modification - no help at all there.
Both husband and wife lost jobs, he has a health condition that affects his ability to work.
Very cooperative in supplying financials.
Have a 1st loan with IndyMac, small 2nd with Countrywide/B of A
We did all possible to get a higher offer to cover as much of the obligation as possible. No go, nice house they lovingly upgraded with a lot of expert sweat equity, but in a very uneven neighborhood.

This is where it gets weird. The Trustee's Sale date is 9/21/09-Yes, TOMORROW.

On 8/31/09 I called to see if they might consider a postponement to allow us to market in the busier fall season (OK, so I'm an optimist. Asking's free).

They basically not only said absolutely not without a contract (still not surprised); then they hit me with this 14-day prior "rule", which not only had NO ONE EVER MENTIONED, there was also NO MENTION OF IT ON THE WEBSITE OR IN THEIR SHORT SALE PACKAGE!

The agent I spoke with (let's call her "Rita") was very brusque when I questioned her and made the following statement: "Our investors make the rules and THEY DO NOT WANT US TO DELAY ANY FORECLOSURES"!!!

Am I nuts, or isn't this the bank that WE THE PEOPLE, THE TAXPAYERS OF AMERICA BAILED OUT?!

This was right before the Labor Day holiday weekend, so I dropped the price to below market, obtaining FIVE OFFERS, 2 at list price, 3 above, bringing us to somewhere in the neighborhood of current fair market value for this property. It ain't going to get any better.

I spoke to several IndyMac reps over the next few days, one of whom verified the 'rule' but said she'd seen them accept packages and postpone closer to the sale date, so I forged ahead.

We did the best we could do time-wise as Sellers now live 4 hours away out of area in a trailer on raw land in a remote area. Due to the holiday everything was closed (including IndyMac OF COURSE) so by the time we got the package back it was 9/9/09 - 12 days prior to the sale date. It was a very complete package.

I spoke to one agent on 9/8/09 who told me she showed that a letter had just been sent to the seller stating that they had 10 more days to submit their package.

I then spoke with an agent who verified receipt and said they would "probably review but no guarantee".

Then I got one of the most arrogant agents it's been my misfortune to come across...let's call him "Cory". He was downright unpleasant and said they they WOULD NOT and DID NOT WANT TO process the file! That "short sales are just an option, we don't have to offer it and we don't want to". HUH?

I requested a supervisor, was told they wouldn't help either, I suggested perhaps we should let them make that decision...finally hung up since it was clear this guy simply wanted to be obnoxious.

Desperate and Disgusted at this point (9/11/09) I called back and full-on groveled. I got a nice guy "Brandon" who did listen and got me a supervisor, who basically told me no again.

At this point I shared with her that in my opinion, not only was this the best opportunity their investors were likely to see, but that these are EXACTLY the homeowners we are supposed to be helping. These are not wanna-be investors who got in over their heads. They didn't lead a lavish lifestyle. THEY HAVE GENUINE HARDSHIPS AND NEED REAL HELP. They are behind because they CAN'T PAY, not because they don't feel like it. They've never been late before this happened.

It is absolutely ridiculous for IndyMac to say that they CAN NOT postpone with less than 14 days prior to the Trustee's sale. Banks are doing it EVERY DAY. B of A for instance won't initiate a postponement until you are within 5 days of the sale.

I just got an offer on another short sale on Thursday 9/10/09, submitted the package to ASC late that night - and THEY WERE ABLE TO POSTPONE A MONDAY 9/14/09 SALE DATE! And they did it with just ONE business day.

SO-let's be clear. It's not that IndyMac CAN NOT, it's that they DON'T WANT TO.

I shared with her my opinion that this position was a CHOICE on their part, and a very bad one, that would probably make VERY INTERESTING PRESS, and that I would feel morally bound to share this situation, as I believe it is the wrong choice for the investors, the homeowners and the health of the market in general.

At this point she agreed to look at the file while I held. She asked for 3 more items which I obtained for her, and said she couldn't guarantee that they could postpone but she would ask them to review it. Even though I figured she was just humoring me, I still hoped for a good outcome.

Yesterday I called and they told me my Third Party Authorization was 'expired' because it was 'only good for 90 days'. What baloney...it was dated 3/28/09, so if that's the reason why is it they've been talking to me every time I called in July, August and September? Why didn't they ask for it when they checked the package and 2 different people told me it was complete? It also states that it is valid until it is revoked in writing by the borrower.

I am so frustrated and discouraged and it feels like they are intentionally pushing these homeowners into foreclosure. There is no redemption period after a Trustee Sale in AZ.

I'm hoping I am wrong, but running out of reasons to believe they care, even about their investors if not the homeowners.

Has anybody else run into this 14/15 day rule? If so, have you had any luck fighting it?

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

**************************************************************************

UPDATE: THEY WERE BOUND AND DETERMINED TO FORECLOSE. IT WENT TO TRUSTEE'S SALE 9/21/09 AT 10:00AM WITH AN OPENING BID AMOUNT OF (GET READY): $101,500

The List Price prior to foreclosure had been dropped to $139,000. We had a contract in the amount of $150,000. We had 4 other backup offers, 2 at list price and 2 above.

Needless to say, the opening bid had the chance of a snowball in you-know-where of being accepted even IF someone did show up to bid, so it reverted to the bank.

ASK YOURSELF WHY INDYMAC / ONE WEST BANK CHOSE TO FORECLOSE???

THEN READ THIS POST BY BOB HERTZOG OF PHOENIX AZ: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1243528/is-the-fdic-killing-short-sales-

It makes very interesting reading.

A few Favorite Hikes from Sedona - Arizona's Hiking Mecca

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Mon, 04 May 2009 10:56:33 -0500

Favorite Sedona Hikes

One of the benefits of living in Sedona (and the Verde Valley area in general) is that it is incredibly beautiful, and one of the best ways to experience its beauty to to hike through it. You can hike pretty much year-'round, but in the Spring the landscape fairly calls out to you to break away and enjoy Mother Nature's gifts. You could probably hike a different trail every day of the year if you wished, but there are a few that I think of as pretty hard to improve upon, and have become favorites.

Devil's Bridge - overall one of the best bang-for-the-buck hikes in terms of views versus effort you'll ever find. It's only about a mile and fairly easy, with a short steep climb to the top of a dramatic red rock arch which pays off with stupendous views of the valley. Access it off Dry Creek Rd.
Vultee Arch - another beautiful hike into a box canyon off of Dry Creek Rd. This one's about 1 1/2 miles each way, and takes you to another natural arch.
Bell Rock and the Bell Rock Pathway - do part of it or all of it as time and your mood allow. This trail loops around Bell Rock and also has a loop around Courthouse Butte, or you can take it all the way to the Chapel area and the Little Horse Park trailhead. If you do that expect it to take a couple of hours. It's fairly level (except for Bell Rock itself, which has numerous trails - mind your step near the edges, as the prehistoric sandstone is soft and crumbles) and a great cool weather hike. It's also a favorite for mountain bikers, but it's broad enough that there's room for everyone. In summer, start early as there is zero shade. Pick up the trail just north of Bell Rock Blvd in the Village of Oak Creek.
Speaking of summer, in hot weather the coolest hike is undoubtedly West Fork up in Oak Creek Canyon. It is also (justifiably) one of the most famous of Sedona's trails, so if you want to avoid the hoards, try to go mid-week. I had not been in years and went with a visiting friend this last summer, and was glad I did. I'd forgotten how truly wonderful it is. There's a short very easy portion that takes you down to the creek that pretty much anybody can enjoy at the Call of the Canyon entry (Zane Grey used the area as the location for his novel of that name). If you want to go farther, wear your old tennies because your feet will probably get wet, as the trail crosses the creek several times. There's plenty of shady spots and the creek to cool you. The entire canyon is about 12 miles but the most popular portion is the first 3 miles.
Wet Beaver Creek - at least that's what we've always called it. I like to think of it as the less-crowded alternative to West Fork. It's another hike that's great in warmer weather as it follows Wet Beaver Creek, south of the Village of Oak Creek (take SR 179 under I-17 for a couple more miles to the trailhead parking area on the left). This is a great hike for wildflower lovers. Turns out that there are several trails that depart from this area, and the ones I usually take are Bell Trail and Weir Trail (1 1/2 to 2 hours). For the hardier hikers among you, pick up the Apache Maid and White Mesa trails.

If you're looking for a good guide book, I recommend Richard and Sherry Mangum's Sedona Hikes.

You will need a Red Rock Pass to park at any of these trailheads. Pick one up at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce near the 'Y' on Forest Road or click here for more places to purchase a pass. A final word: always carry plenty of water and wear sunscreen, year 'round. Happy Hiking!

Open House at 597 S Santa Fe Trail in Amante at Verde Santa Fe Saturday November 1st - Tour 5 RE/MAX Homes and 1 Custom View Lot

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:51:22 -0500

RE/MAX Sedona's agents are at it again - working hard for our Sellers and bringing some great opportunities to tour these select properties to Buyers. Saturday November 1st is also the Amante Community Garage Sale, so put your bargain-hunter hat on and come on out to the Verde Santa Fe!

FEATURED LISTING AND ABSOLUTE "BEST BUY": 597 South Santa Fe Trail in Amante at Verde Santa Fe - lowest price per square foot on the Verde Santa Fe Golf Course in all of Verde Santa Fe's 7 neighborhoods! A short stroll to the Clubhouse (see photos of some of the many amenities below). This gated community is just a 15 minute drive to West Sedona, 5 minutes to Cottonwood, AZ and about 25 minutes to I-17, giving you easy access to Flagstaff an hour north and Phoenix about 1 1/2 hours to the south.

RE/MAX SEDONA OPEN HOUSE TOUR AT VERDE SANTA FE:

-SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1ST, 10:00AM TO 2:00PM

Property Information

Community Information

Download RE/MAX Sedona Verde Santa Fe Tour Sheet

Outdoor Fireplace at Amante Clubhouse, Verde Santa Fe, Cornville AZ

Amante Clubhouse Pool at Verde Santa Fe

Hot air balloons are a frequent early-morning sight over the Verde Santa Fe Golf Course.

See 14 Sedona homes on the RE/MAX SEDONA OPEN HOUSE TOUR, October 25th, 2008 - Featuring 1005 Rodeo Rd, bordering US Forest land in West Sedona

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:16:33 -0500

Hike right out of your back door!

• 2,400 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 3-level split "Plenty of Privacy, minimal stairs" - MLS#120864 $659,000 - Gorgeous Red Rocks NFS!!!

Western Hills, West Sedona - Borders Coconino National Forest land, with a magnificent backdrop of Red Rocks and wonderfully private gardens. Whether you're a hiker, simply love to be outdoors or want a secluded feel in the middle of town, it just doesn't get any better than this. Come see for yourself!

Property information

Tour 14 homes in Sedona and the Village of Oak ranging in price from $315,000 to $2,675,000. You'll get to know the neighborhoods and see a wide range of styles.

Join us Saturday, October 25th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Download a RE/MAX Sedona Tour Sheet with photos and directions or stop by our office at 1225 W Hwy 89A Suite 102 in West Sedona between Airport Rd and Elk Rd on the south side of the highway.

Front Patio - many outdoor "Living Rooms" to enjoy Sedona's mild weather.

Home sits high in Western Hills, backing to National Forest Land and overlooking the Red Rocks and green mesas of Sedona towards Cathedral Rock in the distance. Front yard is hidden from the road - incredible privacy right in the heart of West Sedona!

REDUCED - Verde Santa Fe Home for Sale on Golf - HOT HOT HOT Buy in Cornville AZ Gated Community

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:55:16 -0500

• 1,847 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS#120747 $269,000 - Beautiful Golf View Home

Amante at Verde Sante Fe, Verde Santa Fe - ***Just Reduced*** DO THE MATH - THEN COMPARE this beautiful golf course home with all the others. This is one great buy. Lovely finishes with many extras, and a price that's seriously the best per square foot of any home with golf course frontage, and better than many listings on interior lots.

REDUCED: AS OF 10/28/08 in all 7 of the Verde Santa Fe neighborhoods this home is now priced 25% below the AVERAGE price per sq ft for ALL Active listings on golf and 11% below the average price for homes that sold in the last six months!

Why settle for less when you can get this kind of location and quality of finishes at this price?! *****

This is the Fresco floor plan - in my opinion the most liveable plan in Amante - with a terrific kitchen layout, large master suite, split bedrooms, and extra large laundry/utility room. Great Room with gas fireplace and (of course!) views. The custom patio has been extended with old-world style pavers, adding charm and a wonderful outdoor living space. The well-equipped Amante Clubhouse is a short stroll down the street.

This is the "special bargain" you've been waiting for: it's a great time to be a Buyer!!!

Property information

Community information

Spend a relaxing day by the pool & spa at the Amante Clubhouse - or use the workout room,
play games, BBQ, curl up with a good book...

Hot-air Balloons are a frequent early-morning sight, sharing the tranquility of the Verde Santa Fe Golf course with a lone walker.

The perfect time to visit Sedona - Join us for our October RE/MAX Sedona Open House Tour

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:17:44 -0500

Late October in Sedona is a glorious affair, with crisp blue skies and the intense golds and greens of the trees against the red rocks.

If you've been wondering what kinds of bargains await buyers shopping for Sedona real estate, what better excuse than the October RE/MAX Sedona Open House Tour?

RE/MAX Sedona's Open House Tour is held on the last Saturday of every month. Mark your calendars!

September's tour was a big success, with 15 gorgeous homes to preview. You still have time to plan for next month's tour!

NEXT TOUR: Saturday, October 25th 1:00pm to 4:00pm A few days before the tour we will release details and a tour sheet for October's open house tour, so please check back - then:

DOWNLOAD OPEN HOUSE TOUR SHEET & DIRECTIONS HERE

You can also see the October Sedona Open House Tour homes for sale in our full page color ad in the Friday Red Rock News ad on 10/24/08 or stop by our office for a tour sheet and map.

When/Where: Sedona Arizona - homes are open from 1:00pm to 4:00pm - RE/MAX Sedona 1225 W Hwy 89A Suite 102.

Come join us - October is a fabulous time to enjoy Sedona's beautiful weather and the fall colors!

This photo was taken as a spring storm rolled into Uptown Sedona - I'll have to wait a little while to get a photo of this scene dressed in its fall finery - but it's gorgeous all year 'round. It's like living in a National Park!

See 15 Sedona properties on the RE/MAX SEDONA OPEN HOUSE TOUR, September 27, 2008

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 14:58:29 -0500

Wondering what your dollar will buy you in a Sedona home these days? Here's your chance to tour 15 beautiful Sedona properties on RE/MAX Sedona's Open House Tour. Pick up a Sedona Open House Tour sheet at our office at 1225 W Hwy 89A Suite 102 or see our full-page ad in the Red Rock News. If you can't make it this month, mark your calendar for the next tour, Saturday October 25th. It's always the last Saturday of every month.

For more information call Beth at 928-284-2501 or Toll Free 800-282-4166 or

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A FREE TOUR SHEET AND DIRECTIONS.

When/Where: Sedona Arizona - homes are open Saturday September 27th, 2008 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Sedona's don't-miss event: Sedona Jazz on the Rocks 2008 September 23-28

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:27:42 -0500

Fall is a fabulous season in Sedona, and not just for the weather but for the wonderful variety of events planned. Sedona Jazz on the Rocks is undoubtedly the best-known event. SJOR was established in 1981 out of a desire to nurture and support jazz as a living art form (and because the only thing more wonderful than being outdoors in Sedona at this time of year is doing it with a great LIVE soundrack)!

Every year since its inception, the Jazz Fest has grown from the core one day event to a series of diverse but related offerings, including concerts, jam sessions, art walks, dinner/shows, educational sessions and more, and now runs for several days.

It starts today and runs through Sunday, September 28, 2008.

Buy Tickets for Sedona Jazz on the Rocks online here.

If you just can't make it this year, mark your calendar for next year's Jazz Fest: September 22-27, 2009.

Rebuilding New Orleans Green - help American Express decide where to spend this year's Member's Project Money.

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:38:29 -0500

Help American Express decide which of 25 worthy causes they will award with 2.5 million dollars in funds. You can vote to place one of these into the top 5 until September 29th, 2008. Final results will be announced October 14th.

Re: Project: Rebuilding New Orleans Green

In reviewing these projects I was struck by the breadth and scope of the offerings. For the purpose of these funds, I felt that the Rebuilding New Orleans Green project had the necessary components for me to put it in first place on my list, and not because other projects were not also worthy.

I do think that charity begins at home, and that this project not only meets that benchmark but also addresses more than one burning issue: 1) it will help our neighbors in New Orleans on the long road to recovery 2) it promotes green building and sustainability, which need to be high on our list of priorities as individuals, as a nation, and as members of the global community and 3) it would bring a welcome private funds augmentation to already-strained government funding of the gulf area. It also speaks to the American dream of homeownership.

I am not from New Orleans or the Gulf Coast, but visited there in November 2006 with the NAR Convention. My colleague and I stayed an extra day to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity at the Musician's Village, and were apalled by the level of devasation still apparent more than a year after Katrina. I understand that there is still much to be done. New Orleans is a unique American city, and we would lose so much by not preserving it.

Other great causes such as Alzheimer's education and research (which I support for personal reasons) and Kiva.org (which was new to me but of all these projects seems the most innovative and has tremendous potential) are already well into the top 5 (#1 & #2 respectively). Another that has merit is the project studying new uses for generic drugs (although I personally try to avoid synthetic remedies wherever possible, their logic is sound and could make meds more affordable).

Green Building, sustainability, the environment and New Orleans need our attention RIGHT NOW.

If you want to learn more, you can vote here...or browse for another project to support.If you're not an American Express cardholder, you can still learn about some fascinating projects, and maybe you could be an angel and share the information with someone who is.

OPEN HOUSE 835 N Third St Cottonwood AZ-Saturday August 30th 2008 12:00pm to 5:00pm - on the RE/MAX Open House Tour

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:15:06 -0500

Preview 18 Homes in Sedona, Cottonwood & Cornville, Arizona on the RE/MAX Open House Tour this Saturday

The RE/MAX Sedona Open House Tour has quickly become a Sedona real estate tradition. For six months now, RE/MAX agents have reserved the last Saturday of every month to open their sellers' homes for the public to tour in the only Open House event of its kind in Sedona and the surrounding communities of the Verde Valley.

This month there are 18 exciting homes available to view, ranging in price from $225,000 to $2,675,000 and located in Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, Cornville and Cottonwood. With such a wide range of properties, there is sure to be something to interest every buyer.

This new tradition has proven very popular with the public, and is great for buyers and sellers trying to get a 'handle' on the Sedona-Verde Valley real estate markets.

This month's spotlight listing can be previewed at: http://835NThirdSt.ViewAzRE.com , and is conveniently located in Old Town Cottonwood, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood cooled by the shade of huge mature trees, yet just steps from shops, restaurants, parks, health club, hiking trails and more. Priced at $269,900, it is a charming and affordable retreat central to all the Verde Valley and Sedona have to offer. DIRECTIONS: from Hwy 260 (I-17, Camp Verde, Cottonwood): go right on 89A and keep straight when it turns into Main Street, go past the curve then right on Third Street to the corner of Pima & Third on the right. From Hwy 89A take the Mingus bypass (across from Cornville Road at the light), then right on main street. Go past the curve then right on Third Street to the corner of Pima & Third on the right.

For 24 hour information please call 800-378-2491 and enter code 808. You can also visit http://www.Move2Sedona.com .

Our full-page color ad in Friday's Red Rock News paper has photos of all 18 homes, and you can stop by our office at 1225 W Hwy 89A for a RE/MAX Sedona Open House Tour sheet.

Please join us on Saturday, August 30th 2008 from Noon to 5:00pm, and mark your calendars for the last Saturday of EVERY month!

Christmas is for nostalgic flavors - like my Mother's Frosted Mincemeat Diamonds

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:36:59 -0600

Holiday Grettings to all AR folk!

Vanessa Stalet's Red Chile Posole recipe offered for New Years caught my eye, and that led me to the AR Cookbook Group. I'm not baking this year, but was inspired to share one of my favorite Christmas Cookie recipies...and replay the memories of baking them many times over the years. I'm not sure where the original recipe came from, but I do know my mother Margaret McCready added her own special touches. She is a talented 'from scratch' cook, and always added plenty of love ;^) I hope you will enjoy them.

Frosted Mincemeat Diamonds

- 1 T. soft butter

- 1 1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar

- 2 eggs

- 2 T molasses

***

- 2 c. sifted all-purpose flour

- 1/2 t. each salt & baking soda

- 1 t. each cinnamon & cloves (ground)

- 1/4 t. ground nutmeg (use fresh nutmeg - it is heavenly, and well worth the slight extra effort)

- 3 T. hot water

***

2/3 c. chopped nuts (we liked walnuts or pecans best...I suppose you could use both)

1/4 c. seeded raisins, chopped (I like to use golden raisins)

1 box (9 oz) mincemeat, broken up with fork (you can also use the kind in the jar, which does not need to be reconstituted so you should probably omit the hot water)

***

Frosting: Mix well 3 c. confectioner's sugar, about 1/3 c. hot milk, 1 t. vanilla and a dash of salt

******

Mix first four ingredients well. Add sifted dry ingredients and water to the bowl; mix until smooth. Add 1/3 c. chopped nuts, raisins and mincemeat. Spread batter in thin layer in greased pan (we used two 13 x 9 x 2 inch jelly-roll pans for a double recipe). Bake in pre-heated hot oven (400 degrees F) for twelve to fifteen minutes. Spread with frosting while still warm and sprinkle with remaining chopped nuts (or just include them in the batter...if you're not fast getting them on the wet frosting or plan to ship them, the nuts tend to fall off). Cool and cut into 2-inch diamonds (note: to make diamonds make parallel cuts first diagonally, then the second time cut straight across). My note says it makes 4 to 5 dozen. I think that's a double batch. These keep and ship very well (a wonderful thing to receive in a 'care package')!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and a healthy and prosperous New Year to you all.

Want an excuse to come to Sedona, Eat, Drink and Be Merry, all GUILT-FREE?

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Thu, 31 May 2007 15:26:47 -0500

Enjoy a relaxing evening Creekside at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa in Sedona near the "Y". The 12th Annual Sedona Taste event promises to be better than ever. Expect to sample a wide array of delicacies and fine wines from some of Sedona and Northern Arizona's finest dining establishments. The Creekside setting next to beautiful Oak Creek with a backdrop of fabulous Red Rocks will set the tone, and the music of Limbs Akimbo will set the tempo. A Silent Auction will add excitement and as a bonus all this is to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Arizona.

When: Sunday, June 10th 4:00 - 8:00pm

Where: Creekside at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa

For More Information: Call 928-282-0122 or visit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Arizona's website at A Positive Place.org.

The photo above was taken at Los Abrigados at sunset last winter during the annual Red Rock Fantasy event. This is a beautiful setting for events year-round!

What Makes Sedona, Arizona a "City"?

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Mon, 21 May 2007 17:28:20 -0500

This question came up recently about my chosen home of Sedona, Arizona and not in truth knowing the answer, I decided to find out.

According to Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, a "City" is defined as "an inhabited place of greater size, population, or importance* than a town or village".

A "Town" is "a cluster or aggregation of houses recognized as a distinct place with a place-name; a compactly settled area as distinguished from surrounding rural territory, usually larger than a village but smaller than a city".

A "Village" is "a settlement usually larger than a hamlet and smaller than a town; an incorporated minor municipality". And, a "Hamlet" is "a small village" (or a legendary Danish prince and hero of Shakespeare's play of the same name, if you prefer ;^).

Whew. Glad we cleared that up.

*The emphasis above on the word "importance" is mine. Having reviewed Webster's dictum and not finding it terribly specific, I got to thinking about how one chooses such a distinction. The City Fathers' intention seems to me to be clear: just as parents often place their hopes for their children when they name them ("Faith", "Constance", "Charity" and so on), our founding fathers must have said to themselves "we want Sedona to be "important". This beautiful place where we live and that we love should matter in the world. She must be a "City".

Maybe I'm being too much of a romantic, but this is a scenario I can clearly imagine. According to USA Today, some must agree with those of us who choose to make Sedona home, or so one might infer from their 2003 article where they named Sedona the number one "Most Beautiful Place in America".

In any case, the City of Sedona certainly qualifies for me, the 10,000 plus people who call it home, and the several million people a year who visit here. If you don't know what we're talking about, come find out!

Sedona, Arizona: A Tale of Two Counties

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 10:28:35 -0500

For those of you who don't know, Sedona is a small city (population about 11,000) in North Central Arizona's high desert country. Now, many of you might think that's too small a population to even call a city, but perhaps I digress. What I wanted to talk about today is actually counties. To be precise, the two counties that claim part of Sedona as theirs: Yavapai and Coconino.

OK, I can hear you now: "Yava-what?", "Coco-who?". Ya see, most people can't even remember the names of these counties, let alone pronounce them ('course it is an easy way to ferret out the natives and natives-in-training ;^). Unfortunately for poor little Sedona, humans having the limitations we do (compelled to sort things and try to separate them into tidy categories) she rarely fits into the little boxes on the 'standardized tests' that determine where you might look to find her in any given reference. In spite of the fact that more people from around the country and around the globe have heard of Sedona than have heard of either county (and mind you, they're both HUGE), in order to find her in many references you'd have to know what county she was in, first. I mean, thank goodness for the search engines!

In any case, now you know. If you want to look up information about Sedona just know you'll need to visit both Yavapai County's and Coconino County's pages to find her, or you'll miss a part of her quirky charm. And don't try to fit Sedona into the usual little boxes, 'cause she's busy coloring outside the lines!

Sedona Library, with statue of Sedona Schnebly, located in West Sedona, Yavapai County.

Uptown Sedona, Coconino County AZ, with its shops and galleries is what most tourists picture when they think of Sedona. Here you see the Oak Creek Marketplace and Cowboy Club, previously the site of the Oak Creek Tavern, birthplace of the Cowboy Artists of America.

Sedona, Arizona - Some Facts and a Short History:

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 17:15:03 -0500

Prehistory: first humans lived here from about 4000 BC.

Sinagua Indians flourished here 900-1350 AD, followed by the Yavapai and Apache from about 1400 AD.

First anglo settler: J.J. Thompson in 1876 at Indian Gardens.

First Post Office established, and the town named after Sedona Schnebly, wife of first postmaster T.C. Schnebly on June 26, 1902.

Sedona incorporated as a City in 1988.

Population in 2007: around 11,000. Between 1970 and 1987 the population increased from 2,700 to 9,000.

Sedona has been the setting for many films especially Hollywood Westerns. The first was 1923's "Call of the Canyon".

Sedona area is almost 19 square miles, only 51% private land with the rest belonging to Coconino National Forest (about 17% of the Verde Valley is privately owned).

The climate is sunny and mild, and the elevation is at about 4300-4500 feet.

We have anywhere from 2 to 4 million tourists per year.

Sedona is nestled in lower Oak Creek Canyon just below the Mogollon Rim and about 35 miles south of Flagstaff. In fact, people often lump Sedona with Flagstaff (which is the nearest large city). This is nearly always a mistake, especially where weather is concerned. Flagstaff is rugged mountain terrain encircled by tall Ponderosa pines at a lofty elevation of about 7200 feet. Sedona, at about 4300 to 4500 feet is high desert terrain (and much milder of climate), punctuated with the Red Rock spires that make this one of the most unique and visually arresting landscapes in the world. Our famous formations can extend to more than a mile high (the highest point in Sedona is Coffee Pot Rock at about 5,600 feet). Sedona Airport, billed quite believably as "America's Most Scenic Airport" and situated atop Airport Mesa is at 4800 feet.

The City of Sedona has a year-round population of about 10,400, or so the official website proclaims, with a 'seasonal' population of about 11,300. As there are an awful lot of second homes and absentee owners of Sedona real estate, I imagine this is a difficult thing to track. These figures do not include the Village of Oak Creek/Big Park area in unincorporated Yavapai County (probably about another 5,000 residents and commonly considered as part of the Sedona area). As far as visitors go, they number in the millions, currently estimated from two to four million per year. Barely over half (51%) of Sedona's 19 square mile area is privately owned, with the rest set aside as Coconino National Forest land, and so Sedona continues to be less densely poplulated than most Arizona cities. Sedona has strict building height restrictions and a community plan, to preserve our open vistas, quality of life and small-town feeling.

Sedona is located partly in Coconino County and partly in Yavapai County, and prior to its incorporation as a city in January 1988 the government was handled by the two counties. Our first mayors were appointed, and in fact our current mayor, Pud Colquitt is the first to be elected to the office (in 2006). We are still very much a youngity in many ways!

To learn more about living in Sedona, Arizona and to view Sedona real estate, please visit www.ViewAzRE.com and Sedona-Blog.com.

The Walter Jordan House, now serving as the Sedona Heritage Museum at Jordan Historical Park.

Uptown Sedona just after an early Spring storm. You can see Elephant Rock to the left and Cathedral Rock to the right.

Domain Age Question for You SEO Gurus: Are they like a fine wine?

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 18:55:42 -0500

I seem to remember that the Search Engines do count the age of your domain name in ranking your site.

It seems to me that someone also said that the length of time that you have it reserved for into the future counts for something as well (demonstrating a commitment to longevity?).

True or not true?

Has anyone noticed a correlation in regards to domain names and how long into the future they have that name reserved? Or a corresponding jump in rankings or SERP when they've extended one for a substantial length of time? If so - how long a time must the extension be for?

I have 3 expiring in November and am trying to decide if it's OK to wait or not.

TIA!

How to handle Red Rock Fever...and find the perfect piece of Sedona real estate to call your own.

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:02:24 -0500

So You Think You Want to Move to Sedona?

Ever since you caught your first glimpse of those crimson cliffs glowing in the late afternoon sun, dreams of Sedona have been coming back to haunt you. It was just a vacation....right? But what a feeling. Hiking the trail to Cathedral Rock, the scent of sun on desert sage perfuming the air. Enjoying the cool respite of Oak Creek Canyon on a warm summer day. The riot of glorious color along the creek in the Fall.

What if you were to move here? Would it still be magical?

If you've had these thoughts about Sedona, Arizona you are not alone. You've just heard the Call of the Canyon, that's all. And it's how most of us found our way here. We call it Red Rock Fever.

Admit it, you've been trying to figure out how to move to Sedona ever since you happened to drive through on your way to the Grand Canyon. Call it Kismet, call it a lucky accident. It's how most of us met and fell in love with Sedona's charms.

But...right now you've got more questions than you've got answers. What are Sedona real estate prices like? Can you afford your dream home? Should you rent before you buy? You're retiring in a few years-should you buy now or wait? How about condos or townhomes? What about the job market? Where's the nearest hospital? How can you find out about schools? What is there for the kids to do? What if you're looking for horse property? Sedona's split by two counties, Coconino County and Yavapai County- does that affect my property taxes? And...how on earth do you pick a neighborhood?

If you need to get started right away call 928-284-2501, visit www.Move2Sedona.com, or contact Beth Larsen. Otherwise, just stay tuned. Over the next weeks and months, we'll be exploring various neighborhoods, businesses, amenities and community facilities. Come along and get to know Sedona and the Verde Valley!

Take a Tour of the Verde Santa Fe Golf Community!

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 18:38:31 -0500

You know you're interested in finding a place to call home in Northern Arizona. Maybe you've even narrowed it down to the Sedona - Verde Valley area. But...are you looking for a home that gives you all the benefits of an Active Adult Lifestyle? Does the security of a gated community appeal to you? Prefer NOT to deal with the 'gated' thing? Want mountain views? Want Red Rock views? Golf course views? A safe place to raise your family and be close to schools and activities? Looking for the best value in affordable newer homes? Do you want an Active Adult 55+ community? Prefer a custom home with all the bells and whistles? Want to back to Forest Service land? Looking for a low-maintenance option? How about a townhome? Want to be somewhere you'll have easy access to a clubhouse with workout room and other amenties, hiking, fishing, golf, swimming and all that the sunny high desert climate of Northern Arizona offers? Then you'll want to take a look at the seven neighborhoods of the Verde Santa Fe.

Located in Cornville, Arizona a short fifteen minute drive from Sedona and about five minutes from Cottonwood, you just may find the perfect combination in Verde Santa Fe 1 & 2, Brookfield Villas, Dorado, Montara, La Privada, Amante or Turnberry Estates.

How to discover if there's a good fit for your style if you choose the Verde Santa Fe Lifestyle? Take the Verde Santa Fe Home Tour, Cornville Az to find out!

Attention Cinephiles: Sedona International Film Festival & Workshop Turns 13!

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 17:45:34 -0600

If you've been looking for an excuse to visit Sedona and love the movies, here's your perfect opportunity! It'll be "lucky 13" for those of you who are able to attend the 13th Annual Sedona International Film Festival, a HUGE 5-day cinephile's orgy of 150 films. Every year Sedona's film festival in the Red Rocks just keeps growing and getting better, and this will be our biggest year yet! There are 15 countries represented, and two Academy Award-nominated films: My Country My Country (for Best Documentary) and Eramos Pocos (for Best Live Action Short Film). There is an incredible lineup of independent films, featuring both new talent and some very well-known names (Julie Christie, Olympia Dukakis, Parker Posey, Jeff Goldblum, Leigh Taylor-Young, Vanessa Williams, Annabeth Gish, Steve Guttenberg, Nick Nolte, Sally Kirkland, David Duchovny, Sigourney Weaver, Antonio Banderas and Meg Ryan, just for starters).

Olympia Dukakis will be celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award for a career that spans five decades and includes nearly 50 film credits. Her latest film, "Away From Her" will kick off the festival on opening night, Wednesday, February 28. It received rave reviews when it premiered at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival, and is sure to be a favorite in Sedona too. The story of the wife of an Alzheimer's patient who finds friendship with Gordon Pinsent, whose wife is also afflicted, is an adaptation of Alice Munro's short story "The Bear Came Over The Mountain". Canadian Actress and filmmaker Sarah Polley makes her directorial debut, and the film also features Julie Christie, Kristen Thomson, Michael Murphy and Wendy Crewson.

New this year, there will be a Festival Pavilion tent set up at Wells Fargo Bank. Between films you'll find food from a variety of local restaurants available for purchase, live music, workshops, panel discussions, the Lunchtime Conversation Series with celebrities and filmmakers, and more. Sounds like it will be a great place to refresh, recharge and relate with other movie-lovers! Free parking and shuttle services from strategic locations should keep traffic hassles to a minimum.

SO - mark your calendar for February 28 - March 4, 2007. There are a wide variety of passes to fit any budget or schedule, and if you become a "Film Sedona" member, you can save 20%. To learn more visit SedonaFilmFestival.com or call 928-282-1177.

Budding filmmakers will have the opportunity to take a two-day "FILM DISTRIBUTION & MARKETING WORKSHOP" through the Zaki Gordon Institute Friday & Saturday, March 2-3.

Help! How to fix a typo on Localism?

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 14:39:14 -0600

Hello - anybody know how to correct an error in submitting a community to Localism, or how to report it? It's a typo I made (got distracted, didn't capitalize a place name). Not major, but not correct, either - and annyoing!

P2A - supplied content and SEO

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 15:41:02 -0600

Hello P2A People,

I've been working my way through my site, adding custom content as I can. I do have some of the Template Content pages (particularly Buyer & Seller Toolkits and pages with reports) up until I can create more original content of my own.

My question is this: from a Search Engine Optimization standpoint, I read somewhere that if you have a template site and use any of the provided content, you should have the pages set to "no index"for the Robots.

Comments, please! Thanks in advance.

Beth

http://www.ViewAzRE.com

Technorati Profile

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:21:54 -0600

Technorati Profile

Technorati claim

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 02:53:36 -0600

<a href="http://www.technorati.com/claim/j3ugiy5s8y" rel="me">Technorati Profile</a>

30 Johnny Guitar Circle, Sedona Az 86336 - Great West Sedona Lot!

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:59:55 -0600

If you've been dreaming about finding a great lot in Sedona to build your perfect home, you know...one with great Red Rock views, but right in the middle of town where you can walk to shops and restaurants or even Forest Service hiking trails but doesn't cost an arm and a leg, there's no better time than now and no better lot than this one!

Why, you ask? Well, after the dizzying climb in lot prices in 2005 (68%!) and scarce availability, things have calmed down a bit and there is finally some inventory to choose from. This has resulted in more competitive pricing for the moment. Even so, there are not a great number of VIEW lots in the under $300,000 price range, and Sedona vacant land appreciation was at a still very respectable average of 38% for 2006. This will not last. The pressures that have caused land in Sedona to be so dear are still in play and will only become more significant as Sedona reaches build-out. Sedona is an island of private land surrounded by State and Federal lands which serve to protect her unique beauty. Also, there is a strong and growing drive to have Congress enact a bill designating 160 acres of National Forest land in and around Sedona as a National Scenic Area. Are you getting the picture?

30 Johnny Guitar Circle is a great buy. It's level and should be an easy build, with plenty of mature trees to add privacy and charm. It is the last lot on the street (a short, quiet cul-de-sac) and sits high to allow for lovely Red Rock Views. Famous Coffee Pot Rock and Capitol Butte loom over the neighborhood, and shops, restaurants and hiking trails are close by. All utilities including natural gas and city sewer are available.

This lot is reasonably priced at $279,500 and ready for your new home. If you're looking to build right away, and if you can get your building permit application in before April 1^st you can beat the new City of Sedona Development Impact Fee increase (and that's no April Fools' joke)! Read more about the new fees and find links to the City of Sedona website on my Views on Sedona Blog at Sedona-Blog.com.

For more information about 30 Johnny Guitar Circle, Sedona AZ MLS#111194 view online at 30JohnnyGuitar.ViewAzre.com.

This lot has SOLD. If you're interested in land in Red Rock Country, we still have beautiful view lots. Call or e-mail Beth for a list of available properties.

First National Listing Service???

Beth Larsen, Sedona Arizona (RE/MAX Sedona) — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 13:21:13 -0600

What follows is an excerpt from a remark I made on Tony Arko's blog post about the Top 50 Real Estate Teams not blogging, and how Realtors® who don't keep up with changes in marketing & technology may not find themselves on top in the future:

...New ways to leverage the Internet arrive daily. For instance, Point 2 Agent just rolled our their new NLS (National Listing Service!!!) to members today, and will soon be releasing it to all real estate licensees. ANY licensee will be able to choose to advertise their listings for free. This is based on their Agent Handshake system. Pretty interesting stuff...

Read the press release: First National Listing Service for Real Estate Launched
This all goes along with debates I have been following on RealTalk and ePRO Talk regarding giving agents more control over where and how their listings appear on the web. Unlike R.com where you get only the most basic listing unless you pay for an enhancement package, Point 2 Agent's NLS will give you the capability of adding rich data even at the free level, even if you don't choose to have a website with them. If you have a professional or premium site with them (at very reasonable prices, IMHO) you will have the ability to add more photos and features of course, but even the basic level is better than what most sites AND many MLS's currently offer.
This will hopefully offer the public a better viewing experience, and raise the bar for the industry as a whole.
This will be very interesting to watch...