Camp Verde, AZ - Montezuma's Castle got its name from early settlers in the area.  They thought that this was built by Montezuma (the Aztec mythical hero).  In fact, it was built by the Sinagua between 1100 to 1350 A.D. By 1425 A.D., the Sinagua were gone.  They were hunters and farmers.  Modern theory is they left because the natural resources became depleted.  Verde Valley residents normally think of Montezuma's Castle when cliff dwelling is mentioned. Throwback ThursdayI decided to go to my Stats page and sort posts by the number of views.  I was surprised to see the post below garner 11,182 views.  I decided to do some "Throwback Thursday" posts from years ago.  I chose this as my first one to feature. This particular post was written August 30, 2020. I updated the contents of the p... 03/09/2023

2035 Whippet Way, Sedona, AZ 86336UpdateAn Offer was made over the asking price by $26,000, within 48 hours.   The buyer, travels for her job.  She has a Nanny who lives with her family and this home on Whippet was the perfect home for their arrangement. There was a lot of interest in this home so the buyer wanted to make sure she dissuaded the other potential buyers. It should be noted that this home appraised for the full value of the offer.  Includes A Self-contained Guest Suite With A Separate EntranceMLS # 5321483 Bedrooms   |   1,704 Sq Ft   |   3 Baths  Red Rock Views   |   Front Courtyard Patio      Stunning Backyard Oasis  |  10 Ft Ceilings 0.10 Acres   |   2 Car Garage   |   Shared Driveway   |   Single Level  Covered Rear Patio   |  Rear Gas Fire Feature  |  $4,211 Taxes/2022... 03/04/2023

March - In Like A LION!Brutal Winter Storm in Sedona - 10-11 Inches of Snow Over 2 Days To Start March.7 inches of snow on the ruler.  This was day 2.  On March 1, we got 5 inches of wet snow starting at 5 PM. It started sticking immediately. It was amazing to see who fast it was coming down.  We have an umbrella over our BBQ because we use it all year long.  Rick had to close the umbrella because there was too much snow building up. There really wasn't much we could do for the junipers and pine trees.  The next day we saw the result of the heavy snow we got overnight.  My husband cleaned an area so he could get a measurement overnight.  There was 7 inches on March 2nd. The Japanese Maple Tree Survived!Many Trees and Bushes Crushed By Weight of SnowAn arborist is coming on Friday to see... 03/02/2023

Snowdona!The red rocks turned crimson and white with patches of pine and juniper. It is just gorgeous outside. Fortunately, we have food for the birds and protection in the junipers for them. View From My Great RoomSedona is in Northern Arizona. One of the big differences between Flagstaff and Sedona is that the roads into Sedona do not shut down. Generally, the I-40, SR-89A, and the I-17 can close from Sedona to Flagstaff shutting down all traffic.  Above - Thunder Mountain- View from my driveway... 02/26/2023

15 Pinon Ct. Sedona AZ 86336Visit SedonaLuxuryHome.comWith Separate Full Casita
Short Term Rental CapabilityRecent Full Kitchen RemodelRecent Addition of Spa-like Ensuite ~ Main House ~See Separate Information on Casita (Guest House) Below2 Bedrooms   |   2,549 Sq Ft   |   2 Baths   |  Office/Library0.48 Acres   |   2 Car Garage   |   Single Level Red Rock Views   |   Front Porch   | CourtyardArea 44 - Little Horse Park   |  Broken Arrow Vista  |  $3,655 Taxes/2022  |MLS #532390Print Flyer For 15 Pinon Ct. Sedona, AZ 86336 View the Tour Enjoy Southwest Style, Charm, and Character  Style and character exemplify this Sedona Southwest classic that will pique your senses as you saunter through this tree-lined enclave with fruit trees, red rock views & separate casita.   Enter the main house... 02/25/2023

PrefaceI just saw an episode of "Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles".  The Altmans were deciding whether to sell their home and buy an $18 million dollar home. The home they were considering was listed by "Sellebrity" Kofi Nartey.  My eyes lit up when I saw him open the door.  It brought back a week full of memories from a class he taught in Scottsdale almost 5 years ago for the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.  This is a blog that I published after the week-long class.  It was one of the best I had ever been at. Institute for Luxury Home MarketingThe Mission"To help the real estate professional offer superior service to affluent buyers and sellers and in so doing, maximize their own success."The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) is the leading authority to provide training... 02/23/2023

29th AnnualSedona International Film Festival Honoring Judd Hirsch  "Join us as we honor our festival LIfetine Achievement Award Honoree and Academy Award-nominee Judd Hirsch who will be here in person for his new film "Rally Caps", Friday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m. Judd Hirsch and Amy Smart will be providing Q&A for this special premiere. - Sedona Film Festival WebsiteJudd Hirsch is an American actor. He is known for playing Alex Rieger on the television comedy series Taxi, John Lacey on the NBC series Dear John, and Alan Eppes on the CBS series Numb3rs.He is also well known for his career in theatre and for his roles in films such as Ordinary People, Running on Empty, Independence Day, A Beautiful Mind, Independence Day: Resurgence, Uncut Gems, and The Fabelmans.He has twice won the Pr... 02/19/2023

What Makes the Red Rocks of Sedona so Special?Ship Rock from my backyard with a telephoto lens "God Made The Grand Canyon, But He Lives In Sedona!" Ah! The Red Rocks of Sedona, the first time you see Sedona's majestic red rock beauty, the image you see burns into your memory. What makes this landscape unique is how it changes as you move through it. A certain "Wow Factor" can take your breath away as the scenery seems to change right in front of your eyes. There is an old saying that "God made the Grand Canyon, but He lives in Sedona."  Also, Sedona is one of the few cities where you can go outside at night and see the Milky Way. We will discuss that later! What's Love Got To Do With It?Preface ~ February’s City Love Challenge, “What I Love About My City,”Hosted by Brian England and Deb... 02/10/2023

Featured Image courtesy of azsuperbowl.com & NFL - 2023 Host CommitteeCathedral Rock ~ An Iconic Symbol of SedonaThis iconic symbol attracts tourists and locals alike.  Part of the appeal is the larger-than-life presence.  This impressive work of nature will take your breath away.  It can be seen from all around Sedona and hundreds of hikers traverse the trails around this rock every day.    Besides all the postcards, paintings, and artwork, this image can be found on T-shirts, and mugs, as well as various other knick-knacks and souvenirs.It also appears on business logos throughout Sedona, as noted (above). Cathedral Rock taken at sunset during monsoon - Photographed by ricksperry.comAs noted above with the Super Bowl logo, Cathedral Rock is a big part of that logo.  The element of the... 02/08/2023

2035 Whippet Way, Sedona, AZ 86336UpdateAn Offer was made within 48 hours.  There was a very successful open house on Saturday.  During this time, negotiations were taking place.  This home went into contract on Sunday, January 29th.  Backup offers are being accepted. Includes A Self-contained Guest Suite With A Separate EntranceMLS # 532148Month to Month Rental Capability 3 Bedrooms   |   1,704 Sq Ft   |   3 Baths  Red Rock Views   |   Front Courtyard Patio      Stunning Backyard Oasis  |  10 Ft Ceilings 0.10 Acres   |   2 Car Garage   |   Shared Driveway   |   Single Level  Covered Rear Patio   |  Rear Gas Fire Feature  |  $4,211 Taxes/2022 See Where this Home is Positioned... Property FlyerDistinctive Home In the Center of West SedonaOne-Minute Snapshot Video - 2035 Whippet WayImagin... 02/04/2023

Groundhog Day In ArizonaWhat Does Groundhog Day Mean To Me and Other ZoniesWhen you live in Arizona, for that matter any sunbelt state, you really don't think of winter the same way as others who live in colder climates.  I am very thankful for our moderate winter temps. But there is a special significance to Groundhog Day.  We are halfway to spring. Yea!  Also, Valentine's Day is coming up and the days are starting to get more daylight.  I was in the garden this morning and I could see signs of spring in the air.   It will be 75º at the Superbowl in Glendale AZ, just ten days from now.  Image courtesy of Visit Phoenix This year it has been a little colder than normal.  In fact, I can't ever remember when snow on the ground lasted more than a few days. Normally, if it snows in the morni... 02/02/2023

Ambiente Landscape HotelSedona  There are only four other Landscape hotels in the world. Sedona Arizona has just opened the 5th on February 1st, 2023.  (travel away) View into Soldiers Pass This unique Landscape Hotel looks toward the end of Soldiers Pass.  I live in Soldiers Pass, about a 4-minute drive from this hotel.  The hotel is close to the Mariposa Restaurant.   This is a link to the article I wrote in August 2019.  At that time this was just a concept. The video below explains why these are called Guest Atriums.  This Upscale Romantic Sedona Getaway is opening just in time for Valentine's Day.  You can check out the Ambiente website here. There are only 40 Guest Atriums.  You can check out the dates available and pricing here.  This month in February, the pricing is about half ... 02/01/2023

2023 Marketing Strategy PrefaceKnow The Demographics Of Your AreaI want to preface this post by re-emphasizing my belief that all real estate is local.  When I lived in California, I owned nothing but tract homes. The neighborhoods had lots of children and schools were close by. There were a lot of starter homes mixed in with mid-level homes and an occasional luxury home.  The demographic of the communities I lived in was different from the communities I serve in Sedona and the surrounding area.  Many people were younger and just starting out in life with young families.  Most of these homeowners had mortgages and many had two-income households.  You will market differently in these areas than in Sedona. What Is Important To Know About Sedona For Your Marketing?Sedona's housing expenses... 01/30/2023

Open House! 2035 Whippet Way, Sedona, AZ 86336I am pleased and excited to invite the neighbors, the general public, and all potential buyers to visit this home and look at all the amenities offered.  This home is in the heart of West Sedona and is close by for all to see. Learn More About 2035 Whippet Way  Easy AccessTrails and the Forest are Highlighted in tan.  Shopping Centers are highlighted in yellow.  You are just 2 minutes by car to the Safeway Shopping Center.  It is less than ½ mile to the north. Go straight up, Shelby! Besides many small businesses in this shopping center, you will find a McDonald's, Staples, UPS Store, and a Mexican Restaurant. Directions:From SR 89A, go south on Shelby Dr.   Take the first right onto Whippet Way, and head west.  2035 Whippet Way is the third... 01/27/2023

2035 Whippet Way, Sedona, AZ 86336Includes A Self-contained Guest Suite With A Separate EntranceMLS # 532148Month to Month Rental Capability 3 Bedrooms   |   1,704 Sq Ft   |   3 Baths  Red Rock Views   |   Front Courtyard Patio      Stunning Backyard Oasis  |  10 Ft Ceilings 0.10 Acres   |   2 Car Garage   |   Shared Driveway   |   Single Level  Covered Rear Patio   |  Rear Gas Fire Feature  |  $4,211 Taxes/2022 Where is this Home Positioned? Property FlyerDistinctive Home In the Center of West SedonaOne-Minute Snapshot Video - 2035 Whippet WayImagine...Delight in owning your piece of the Sedona dream in the heart of West Sedona, where all the action is located.  You can find restaurants, four grocery stores, plenty of shopping, two movie theaters, professional and medical services, plu... 01/25/2023

2035 Whippet Way, Sedona, AZ 86336Includes A Self-contained Guest Suite With A Separate Entrance Month to Month Rental Capability 3 Bedrooms   |   1,704 Sq Ft   |   3 Baths  Red Rock Views   |   Front Courtyard Patio      Stunning Backyard Oasis  |  10 Ft Ceilings 0.10 Acres   |   2 Car Garage   |   Shared Driveway   |   Single Level  Covered Rear Patio   |  Rear Gas Fire Feature  |  $4,211 Taxes/2022  Property FlyerDistinctive Home In the Center of West SedonaOne-Minute Snapshot Video - 2035 Whippet Way Delight in owning your piece of the Sedona dream in the heart of West Sedona, where all the action is located.  You can find restaurants, four grocery stores, plenty of shopping, two movie theaters, professional and medical services, plus much more. Hiking and biking trails are also nea... 01/21/2023

Cottages At Coffeepot - Snowdona!Four Inches of Snow and a low of 26ºA cold front came in from California and hit Northern Arizona with a lot of snow. The snow level got down to 3500 feet! The Cottages At Coffeepot sit at 4500 to 4600 feet at the end of Soldiers Pass in West Sedona. On Jan 20, 2023, Four inches of snow dropped, and the low temperature hit 26º. We have had about 7 inches of snow in the last week. So far this month, the rain total has hit 5.85 inches. We needed this rain and snow. Sedona and most of the state are out of the severe drought. In fact, the drought intensity equals "none" for 42.2% of Arizona! Sedona is no longer in a drought as of 1/10/23. I am very thankful for this. Our juniper and pine trees have already perked up and look healthy. Last year, it wasn't unt... 01/20/2023

Blogging Is NetworkingPrefaceThis is my first post in the Challenge, "A Guide for Blogging Success," hosted by Jeff Dowler, CRS, and Brian England.  In this post, I will highlight what I do in my blogs to create a pleasant viewing experience. To me, ActiveRain is a professional real estate social media platform. The word professional should be highlighted. The people who blog on this platform do an exceptional job of providing high-caliber content.  I have learned much through osmosis in the 11 years I have been using this platform.  A considerable amount of information and tips have been discussed in the posts that have already been written.  What Is the Meaning of Success?In the challenge, we are asked to provide blogging tips that you should be doing to lead to success.  Success mean... 12/21/2022

2639 S. Teresa Ln. Cottonwood AZ 86326Backyard Paradise With Gated Pool AreaSeparate CasitaRental CapabilityMLS #530364~ ~ ~Solutions For A Changing MarketNew Update as of 11/29/22: For every showing I had on this gorgeous home, potential buyers found something to complain about.  There were other (lowball) offers that my seller outright rejected.  This home was listed as the market started to go south.  Buyers were feeling their "oats."  They wanted the best deal possible.Along comes a refreshing buyer who loved everything about this house.  She bought it without her husband even seeing it in person.  We did have a waiver in place.  The husband saw this house for the first time today and fell in love with it.  With all the turmoil of this market that my seller had to endure,  she was s... 11/29/2022

Happy Thanksgiving From The Red Rocks of SedonaEvery year we get a lot of visitors that come here to enjoy the crisp fresh air and do some hiking.  This year is no different.  The city has already put up the holiday decorations, and so have the businesses. The image above is part of a helicopter tour you can take to see all the crannies of the red rocks.  Here is a close-up of the above area that shows one of the many cliff dwellings that are hidden from most hikers, mainly because they are pretty hard to get to. Close-up of Cliff DwellingThanksgiving is a time to spend with those we love, whether close friends or family.  It is a time to give thanks for those special and unique relationships we hold so dear. It is also a time to celebrate those relationships over good food and drinks.I... 11/24/2022