August 23-31 Red Rocks Music Festival Featuring world-class chamber and flamenco music, orchestral performances, master classes and workshops throughout the week. Call 877-733-7257. The Red Rocks Music Festival educates, engages, and challenges audiences through a unique collaboration of leading Arizona artists and world acclaimed musicians.  History of the FestivalIn its inaugural season, on Labor Day 2002, a festival symphony was lead by Maestro Shlomo Mintz, who also played the Mendelssohn violin concerto . Beethoven Symphony Number 7 received a standing ovation. Other performers included pianist Gustavo Romero and "Musica Viva" Director David Ehrlich. Since then the festival has maintained a high level of performance, which included Elmira Darvarova, first woman co-concertmaster of ... 08/01/2008

The newest multi-unit Luxury Residences in Sedona have gone through some major change recently.... Park Place Luxury Residences have dropped prices across the board in order to sell out Phase I of this project.  Karen Dunlap and Rick Wesselhoff of Coldwell Banker First Affiliate have been chosen to represent the developer of Park Place Sedona in the sale of the remaining 7 available unsold units.  They range from 575k up to 799k and have incredible views of the many red rock canyons west of Sedona.  Park Place is located in prestigious West Sedona near world-class shopping, dining, cultural, medical, golf and spa amenities and commands dramatic vistas and red rock panoramas from its convenient in-town location. Park Place luxury condominiums in Sedona combine sophisticated Old World des... 07/28/2008

Sedona Visitor Statistics  Approximately 80% of our visitors come from the Phoenix area, Las Vegas, Tucson or Southern California.  About 6% come from outside the United States.  The average household income of our visitor is a whopping $106,000.  The average visitor is between 35 and 54 and our average visitor has a minimum of 4 year college degree.  Day trippers make up 44% of Sedona visitors, 32% spend 1 or 2 nights and 24% more than 2 nights.  The typical overnight visitor spends an average of 3 nights in the city.  The typical overnight Sedona visitor spends $334/day while in the area while 38% spend $400 or more a day.  When asked what specific activity Sedona visitors participate in, shopping with the most frequently mentioned followed by art galleries, outdoor recreation (inclu... 07/09/2008

55% of the Sedona Marketplace is comprised of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th home markets.  Of that 55% - 80% of our homes are sold in the peak months of the spring (Marrch-Mid June) and the peak months of fall ( Sept- Nov).  That being said... now that we are in the thick of our summer months, this would be a great time for any buyer to come into our marketplace and pick some fruit from our trees!  Sedona is currently experiencing a wonderful re-hauling of it's major throughfare - HWY 179 and parts of HWY 89A.  That being said.... it's a nightmare for traffice... that being said... it's a nightmare for sellers.... that being said... it's a great time to buy!  For all your buying and selling needs in Sedona and the Verde Valley... please give me a call (I will have alot of time on my hands... sittin... 07/07/2008

Stats for 2008   There are currently 537 Active Residential Listings in Sedona.  406 Homes are listed under $1M and 131 are $1M or above   There are currently 395 Active Lot Listings in Sedona.  367 Lots are listed under $1M and 28 are $1M or above.   Month of Januray: 13 Residential Home Sales - Average $386,000   4 Vacant Land Sales   Month of February: 14 Residential Home Sales - Average $601,000   3 Vacant Land Sales   Month of March: 33 Residential Home Sales - Average $614,000   6 Vacant Land Sales   Month of April: 24 Residential Home Sales - Average $595,000   9 Vacant Land Sales   Month of May: 37 Residential Homes Sales - Average $507,000   3 Vacant Land Sales  Month of June: 18 Residential Homes Sales - Average $646,000   5 Vacant Land Sales 06/30/2008

Sedona Real Estate Stats comparing 07 and 08 -CLOSED SALES   For those with a weak heart... please stop reading now. When we look at the market overall (Luxury Sedona Homes, Median Priced Sedona Homes, Condos, and Sedona Vacant Land) we see that the market has dropped by 18% overall.  In 08- the Sedona Market Place had  168 solds - compared with 214 for 07 In O8 - the dollar volume was $88 million compared with $137 million for 07. Down by 18% overall.    Sedona and the surrounding communities continue to experience a strong buyer's market.  Now would be a good time... no, a GREAT time to buy.  Buy with experience, buy knowing the market, and buy knowing that once all of this wonderful red dirt is gone... it's gone!  - They ain't makin' any more.  If I can be of any service, please call... 06/29/2008

 From free concerts to an All-Day JazzFest, the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Benefit Festival promises to be an event you'll always remember in a place you'll never forget. Now in its 28th season, the festival brings the greatest names in jazz to one of the most beautiful places in America September 23-28, 2008. Tickets are on sale now, so mark your calendars. Click here to purchase your tickets online.The 2008 festival lineup kicks off with the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Youth Band and in no particular order presents  . . . Giacomo Gates, Tony Monaco, Cinco de Moio & Salome, Jeff Baker, Kenny Werner and the dynamic artist Bobby Hutcherson. Fantastic Jazz events are planned throughout the festival week. For event information, visit www.sedonajazz.com.   06/27/2008

Summer 2008 "Cool Sedona" Campaign Begins! The Sedona Lodging Council and Chamber of Commerce, with the help of the City of Sedona, launched the Cool Sedona promotion this week. This advertising campaign, targeted to the Phoenix market, features a robust program that highlights cool temperatures, cool things to do and see in Sedona and value prices. The marketing program includes: Television advertising on networks and cable Arizona Republic Newspaper wrap Postcards Direct Mail campaign Website (www.CoolSedona.com) This Website offers discounts on accomodations, trolley and jeep tours as well as visitor guides and 102 things to do in Sedona. 06/23/2008

Sedona Ranks Third As Arts Destination Sedona earned a top spot in the 2008 competition for AmericanStyle's Top 25 Arts Destination. Sedona ranked third among the Top 25 Small Cities and Towns, just behind No. 1 ranked Santa Fe, New Mexico and No. 2 Asheville, North Carolina. The catagory is defined by cities and towns with populations of less than 100,000. 06/23/2008

Sedona, AZ - June 17, 2008 - On the 4th of July the City of Sedona and the Friends of the Posse Grounds will be sponsoring a fun-filled afternoon/evening Red Dirt Concert up on the Posse Grounds.  This birthday celebration of the USA has a deep tradition of patriotic music, and the  upcoming Sedona celebration will be no exception. The legendary Cottonwood Community Band under the direction of Chris Blue,and members from the entire Verde Valley, will take the stage at 5:00 PM at Barbara's Park and play all of our favorites which they once did in earlier days. Following the Cottonwood Band  which sports members ranging from ages 14 to 80 years old, has been alive and well since the 1980s, the stage will come alive with Dixieland toe-tapping "happy music" by the Geritol Hipsters.  This gr... 06/23/2008

COMPARING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 07 WITH THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 08.  THE MARKET CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN DOWNWARD.  SOLDS HAVE DROPPED FROM 137 TO 98 MEDIAN PRICE OF HOME HAS DROPPED FROM $587,000 TO $499.000 PRICE DROP OF 15% CONTINUES TO BE A STRONG BUYER'S MARKET IN SEDONA ARIZONA AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS.  FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL ME DIRECT AT 1-800-975-5943 OR ON THE WEB AT WWW.BARBARABAKER.COM OR EMAIL ME AT BARBARA@BARBARABAKER.COM HAPPY BUYING AND SELLING!   06/19/2008

Sedona Among Top 10 Scenic Drives in U.S.   As gas prices soar, many travelers are looking for ways to vacation closer to home and we're lucky to have one of the Top 10 Scenic Drives in the U.S. right in our own backyard. State Route 179, a 7.5-mile road designated as the Red Rock Scenic Road, was recently named the 7th most scenic drive by the editors of ShermansTravel.com. This meandering drive serves as an excellent introduction to some of the areas most superb natural splendors and amazing vistas 06/16/2008

Summer's Hot but it's Cool in Sedona! It's not too early to think about escaping the heat of summer. Although Arizona is not usually thought of as a cool weather destination there areas of Arizona that offer a respite from the hot desert climates. Folks in Phoenix, Tucson and Las Vegas visit Sedona for the wonderful cool high-desert nights of summer. Be sure and check out cool summer deals and packages at www.visitsedona.com - Sedona hotels and B & B's are pulling out all the stops to make Sedona THE choice for summer fun. 06/16/2008

The "Journey of the Crystal Skull Guardian" exhibit will visit the Angel Valley Spiritual Retreat Center in Sedona, September 26-28, 2008. This event is for everyone who is interested in Crystal Skulls. Awareness and fascination with Crystal Skulls has been increasing rapidly with the release of the new Indiana Jones movie and the SciFi channel documentary on Crystal Skulls highlighting the role the skulls have in our individual and collective journeys. A Crystal Skull Guardian is a person who takes care of and has responsibility for a crystal skull, whether small or big, ancient or contemporary. Everyone who has an interest in crystal skulls may become a guardian in the future or may have been a guardian in the past.  During the event, we will honor the pioneer guardians and researcher... 06/16/2008

Sedona Among Top 10 Scenic Drives in U.S.   As gas prices soar, many travelers are looking for ways to vacation closer to home and we're lucky to have one of the Top 10 Scenic Drives in the U.S. right in our own backyard. State Route 179, a 7.5-mile road designated as the Red Rock Scenic Road, was recently named the 7th most scenic drive by the editors of ShermansTravel.com. This meandering drive serves as an excellent introduction to some of the areas most superb natural splendors and amazing vistas. 06/10/2008

I have really enjoyed seeing every one's photos! I'm one of those oddballs who does NOT moan and groan when someone pulls out the pictures. I love looking at pictures. And taking them. I wish I was a little better at at, but that's OK. I also carry my small camera around with me just in case something "cool" turns up to shoot. But my idea of cool may be a little off sometimes. These are from a vacation in Arizona.The red rocks of Sedona were like nothing I have ever seen. Now THAT was good hiking. (In Florida hiking is actually walking.)  Boy, if Arizona had an ocean, I would be there in a heartbeat. Then again, that would make it California wouldn't it? That's my hubby feeling the moment. Notice the people in the bottom picture.                                           06/05/2008

I can't keep stressing this enough.  If you are a seller' drop your price until it starts to shake a buyer loss from the tree. It's as simple as that.  Price it competitively to begin with and expect someone to come in 15% below what you have it listed at.  Buyer's are buying and it is really important to get a Buyer on paper - committed to the process.  Get them emotionally tied to the house.  YOu can always negotiate up.  But if you don't have a contract - you won't be negotiating ANYTHING!   The Foreclosure and Short Sale market will continue to PULL THE MARKET DOWN, DOWN, DOWN!  So Price it to SELL IT TODAY!  If you are a Buyer - put in an offer and see where it will go.  Of course, nothing absurd or ridiculous... but  at least 10% under the list price. Work with a good agent to fin... 06/03/2008

Stats for 2008   There are currently 521 Active Residential Listings in Sedona. 392 Homes are listed under $1M and 129 are $1M or above   There are currently 441 Active Lot Listings in Sedona.  406 Lots are listed under $1M and 35 are $1M or above.   Month of Januray: 13 Residential Home Sales - Average $386,000   4 Vacant Land Sales   Month of February: 14 Residential Home Sales - Average $601,000   3 Vacant Land Sales   Month of March: 33 Residential Home Sales - Average $614,000   6 Vacant Land Sales   Month of April: 24 Residential Home Sales - Average $595,000   9 Vacant Land Sales   Month of May: 37 Residential Homes Sales - Average $507,000   3 Vacant Land Sales 06/02/2008

Summer's Hot but it's Cool in Sedona! It's not too early to think about escaping the heat of summer. Although Arizona is not usually thought of as a cool weather destination there areas of Arizona that offer a respite from the hot desert climates. Folks in Phoenix, Tucson and Las Vegas visit Sedona for the wonderful cool high-desert nights of summer. Be sure and check out cool summer deals and packages at www.visitsedona.com - Sedona hotels and B & B's are pulling out all the stops to make Sedona THE choice for summer fun.  06/02/2008

When it comes time to kick back as a family, Sedona provides the makings of an unforgettable adventure for families to connect with each other and with nature.  Biking, hiking, camping, climbing, swimming, water sliding, ballooning, jeep riding (guided or unguided), golf, horseback riding, birding, star gazing and picnics on the banks of gurgling Oak Creek or in Sedona's city and state parks, are some of the ways to delight both young and old. For a special outing visit Out of Africa Wildlife Park, a safari-like experience through 104 wilderness acres, and the Verde Canyon Railroad, a four-hour, round-trip excursion through Sycamore Canyon. (Look for the eagles!)  Small area museums provide insight into the area's history.  Festivals abound throughout the year, and there are seasonal at... 06/02/2008