Sedona AZ Homes - 5 Things to Know About Buying

Sedona is one of the most spellbinding places on earth. Sedona is a lovely community in Arizona's high desert (4000-5000' ASL) and is considered by many to be the most beautiful place in the country. This small Verde Valley town is famous for its spectacular formations of sandstone, radiant in shades of orange and red when the sun is rising or setting.

Here are some things you should know about Sedona AZ homes for sale and the surrounding area.

1. Visiting Sedona is an exhilarating experience, especially during the spring and autumn months, when more than half of the festivals and annual events are in full swing. One of the things that residents love about Sedona is the climate. The weather is mild, with the highest temperatures around 95 and lows during the winter at about 35. Although visiting Sedona may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, living here is even better.

2. Many Sedona AZ homes offer easy access to public services, including bus (City of Sedona) and taxi/ Uber/ Lyft service and private limo companies. The Sedona Trolley provides transportation around town and is pet-friendly. The average commute time is 16.4 minutes, which is less than the national average of 26.4 minutes.

3. Sedona AZ homes are located within two Arizona counties, Coconino and Yavapai. Portions of the Apache, Navajo, Hopi, Hualapai, and Havasupai nations are within the counties, as well as Grand Canyon National Park. Parts of Yavapai County are located in the Prescott and Phoenix metro regions.

4. Planning is an essential part of the Sedona home buying process. Before you start looking at Sedona homes for sale on the market, take some time to envision what you want in your new house. Most buyers have a price range in mind before they start their search for a new home, but there are other considerations.

• Location
• Lot size
• Number of bedrooms (2-3 is normal)
• Number of bathrooms
• Layout of the kitchen
• Privacy
• Gated communities or not
• HOA or no HOA (important if you're looking for a short term rental investment)

Think about the kind of neighborhood that's important and the places you frequent most often. Do you want to be close to shopping, outdoor activities, schools, or churches? If you'll be working in the area, how long will your commute be? Do you want your new home to be on the main road or a secluded cul-de-sac? Is a Sedona foreclosure home or fixer upper alright?

Sedona homes for sale are on lots of varying sizes. You may consider how much privacy you'll have, whether you want a house on a large or small lot, and how your Sedona real estate will be used. You might want to consider if there's room for a pool or a backyard deck.

The size of your family often dictates the number of bedrooms you need. A couple that's downsizing may only want a second bedroom for guests. However, if you have children, you may allow each child to have their own bedroom. You may want one room to use as a office, den or playroom or a separate master suite.

Decide in advance how many bathrooms you need. Some older Sedona homes for sale may only have one bath. Newer homes usually have more than one bathroom, but you may want additional features like a Jacuzzi. Do you need a full bath or one that only has a shower? If you find a home you love but aren't happy with the bathrooms, find out if remodeling is feasible before you commit to the purchase.

The kitchen in your new home should fit your lifestyle. Some people are gourmet cooks who entertain a lot, while others cook meals for their families. Active families with busy lifestyles often fix quick, microwave meals. Small families might only need a basic kitchen while others want the latest appliances and a lot of space.

5. Get to know Sedona before you buy a home. One of the best things about this beautiful Arizona community is its diversity. The culture of the area is unique, and there's always something new and exciting to do. Whether you're buying your first home, searching for a second residence to spend vacations or downsizing and retiring, Sedona real estate is an excellent investment. The average price for Sedona sold single-family homes is $676,192 (at the time of this was written).

Five Sedona Neighborhoods

The Chapel Area, also known as Chapel/Little Horse Park is a neighborhood that's expanded over the years and is a charming mixture of lovely older and new homes. One of the best features of this neighborhood is the spectacular scenery.

Diverse mixed use (residential and commercial) neighborhoods and home styles are features of West Sedona. Starter and manufactured homes ideal for first-time buyers, as well as many of Sedona's luxury homes in gated communities, are in abundance here. This area is convenient for public services and shopping. West Sedona is an excellent neighborhood for investment property since many of the residents are seasonal.

Red Rock Loop has some of the most beautiful scenery in Arizona and is surrounded by Red Rock State Park and National Forest. The area features elegant estates, horse properties, and lovely, older homes. Red Rock is perfect for the buyer who wants to be close to town amenities but loves seclusion. Internet and cell service can be a bit spotty due to the surrounding red rocks.

Oak Creek Canyon is famous for its Ponderosa Pines and Arizona Sycamores. Most of the area is National Park Service or National Forest land. However, there are some private homes nestled in the forest. Some of the houses belong to year-round residents, while others are vacation homes. There are also a few privately owned estates along Oak Creek.

Uptown Sedona is the oldest section of the community, known for its dramatic Southwest-style architecture. This neighborhood is at the foot of Oak Creek Canyon and is the place to find shops, restaurants, and galleries.

One crucial point to consider is before you start house-hunting, you should get pre-approved if you intend to get a mortgage. The pre-approval process can be viewed as a review of your finances and helps to determine your price range. The pre-approval also makes you more competitive when you're searching for your new home. When you have pre-approval from a mortgage lender, sellers and their agents are more likely to give your offer priority over other buyers that haven't been pre-approved.  If you plan to pay cash, as many do, you'll need proof of funds at some point.

We know this is a lot to absorb but we are here for any of your Sedona real estate needs including the surrounding communities of the Verde Valley.  If you have questions or would like assistance, please call/text or email us!

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