What Does It Take To Have a Healthy Home?

(This blog post has been republished from Sheri Sperry's activerain® blog at http://activerain.com/blogs/wwwesedonabiz)

Building new homes has once again become popular.  Let's face it, everyone wants a home that fits their needs without compromise. What better way to accomplish that goal than to design it to your specifications.  

So what are the must haves?  Do you give much thought to having a healthy home? I can tell you that was not on the top of my list years ago. You might ask yourself, what is a

healthy home?  Some of the criteria for me would include a home that is free from mold or bacteria that keeps out harmful pollutants and dust. I would also include a system that provided microbe free fresh clean air to circulate through-out the home.  Wouldn't it be nice to see eco-friendly, energy efficient materials and products used?  Of course, the home should be built to standards that could come close (if not equal) to a net zero energy footprint. 

Not to much to ask right? !!

You might be skeptical of a project this aggressive.  Could it even be accomplished without costing an arm and a leg? If you find the right builder and designer to complete the project, you might be pleasently surprised at the cost and the results.

Remember, that the cost of building materials and other home products and appliances may be more

expensive, ...we are talking energy efficiency! This home will be built to provide decades of service with minimum repair or remediation cost as well as utility bills that will be almost nothing.  Let's not forget that a good builder will know all the federal, state and local programs and incentives to help defray the higher cost of the green materials.

Those of you who are thinking of purchasing Sedona Arizona real estate or a luxury home may want to visit  NRG Build Pros  to get more information.  During a recent open house event, I was able to see a newly completed project and was quite impressed with the designer and the builder. I started to think of all the people that suffer from allergies of some sort.  This home would give people with allergies a reprieve from the nagging symptoms.  This home checked off every box I talked about and more. 

Here is a list of "Extreme Energy Efficient Features" you might want to see in your dream home:

• HERS Rated Home / Energy Star Certified home and appliance (Home Energy Rated System) see chart ---->
• ICF Wall System ~ R-30 plus - 
• Roof System ~ R-4- & R-50
• IB Roofing Membrane w/ Lifetime Warranty
• Insulated Garage Door ~ R-9
• Anderson Door & Window Package
• ERV or HRV Fresh Mechanical Ventilation System
• High Efficeiency 20.5 Seer Heat Pump
• Air to Air Hot Water Heater
• LED Lighting - lasts longer and is very energy efficeint
• E-Max Flushing System by Toto - water efficent
• High Performance Low-Flow Faucets by Grohe & Hans Grohe
• Panasonic Whisper Sense & Whisper Sense-Lite
• Solar System 2k (there is an option for 5k system w/ plug-in for hybrid auto or off grid system)
• Kilowatts Monitoring System by Envi
• Many, many more amenities and features

This is a partial list and was furnished by NRG Building Specialists l.l.c. 

The Real Estate Market Is Showing "Real" Improvement

"Glimmer of Hope" - is it real?

During the last four years, realtors all across the country were looking at the statistics every month to try and point to a recovery or at least a glimmer of hope that a recovery would be coming soon.  In the last few months there is good news, that glimmer of hope is pointing to a solid recovery all across the nation.  Also, it certainly does not hurt that the stock market is at record levels! (As I write this the market closed at 14,447- a record high.) WOW!  Besides all of that, the stock market fear gage is at it's lowest level in 4 years!

What the stats say...

The National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index reports that U.S housing markets are showing expanded improvement for the sixth month in a row in February.

In September of 2011, there were only 12 improving metro markets.  Just over 70% of the 361 metros across the nation are now showing improvement.  In fact the NAHB is reporting at least one metro area in all 50 states is improving, showing that the housing market has momentum and is expanding.  This is real and sustainable improvement.

Are market conditions similar in the Sedona AZ real estate market ?

The Sedona homes for sale statistics, point to that same momentum.

<---- Number of active listings is declining and listing prices are rising. ---->



The absorption rate has moved from 8.29 in Feb-12 to 5.55 in Feb-13.

The absorption rate shows how long the current inventory of  Sedona properties would last at the current rate of sales. So you can see that number is falling.  Listing are selling at a rate of almost 3 months sooner than a year ago.  This is great news for sellers.  

Are we moving from a buyer's market to a seller's market? You be the judge!  The average sale price of a home in the SVVAR (Sedona Verde Valley Assoc. of Realtors) is $239 K in Feb-13 which is a 10.77% jump from Feb-12.



Is the market in flux? 

We have to remember that there may be many potential sellers still sitting on the sidelines waiting to get into the game.  How many want to put there Sedona home up for sale? If these potential sellers jump into the market, the number of Sedona real estate listings available will multiply and absorption rates may increase which could lead to a shift in advantage to the buyers once again. This is why I say the market is in flux.

What about Sedona luxury homes for sale?

For the purpose of this statistical analysis, we will define the luxury home market at $500,000 and above.  The Sedona Luxury Real Estate Professionals define the price as $750,000 and up. I am a member of SLREP and on the executive board.

What really matters is the number of sold and pending listings.  In Feb-13, 11 listings sold compared to 8 last year - a 38% increase. YTD - the listings jump to a 47% increase year to year.  On the Pending Listings - the percentages are staggering.  There is a 70% increase from Feb-12 to Feb-13 and YTD the percentage jumps to 85% year to year!

All in all, it is an exciting time for everyone involved in the real estate market.  Sedona real estate buyers can still get some good deals out there but they are dwindling to the delight of the seller. Real estate professionals are busy then ever fulfilling the needs of their buyers and sellers.

If you are in the market to buy or sell Sedona real estate or Verde Valley property,

 please call Sheri Sperry @ (928) 274-7355 or visit her website @ www.eSedona.biz . 

Enjoy Spring!

© eSedona.biz, sperryr.com, azsedona.biz  

Protecting Your Garden In Winter

When you live in the Southwest or the Sedona Arizona real estate market to be more specific, you may not think about how winter temps will affect your plants and flowers.  In fact two years ago, we had a prolonged freeze and unprotected plants did not make it.  Buying frost netting is kind of like getting a flu shot during flu season. You keep procrastinating and suddenly you have the flu and only wish you would have made the effort to get the flu shot!

We lost a lot of our plants during that season a couple of years ago, and once Spring came we had to replace them.  I kept thinking, if I would have purchased that frost netting, maybe the plants would have made it.

The next year in early Fall, we bought plenty of netting.  We were not going to take a chance with losing our beautiful plants again. At least we would give them a fighting chance.

Our plants made it through the winter fine. In fact, they bounced back very well during the Spring.  We are pretty fortunate here in the Sedona Arizona real estate market .  The temps usually stay above freezing, but we do have days that dip below 32º and stay there for more than a few hours. You can check Sedona weather at this link, http://sperryr.com/Sedona_Weather.php  Generally, plants and winter flowers can survive a short time below freezing but when the temps stay below freezing for hours, plants become at risk.

I don't profess to be much of an expert at gardening, but with a little work, we can all give our plants and flowers a fighting chance during the winter months.  There are many things besides covering your plants that can help to keep your plants safe. Here is an article to help you make the decision that is best for you and your area. Protecting Your Plants .

I am also including a link to my website where you can find many other articles that may peak your interest. The article that pertains to this blog is "Garden Plants For Fall & Winter Containers".

As you think about your winter garden here in the Sedona Arizona real estate market,  remember to monitor the temps on a regular basis from around mid november to the end of March.  In 2012, we got 6-8 inches of snow on March 18-19 and the 20th was the coldest day of the year at 19º for the high! Here is a pic from March 18, 2012.







If you are in the market to buy or sell Sedona real estate or Verde Valley property, please call Sheri Sperry @ (928) 274-7355 or visit her website @ www.eSedona.biz .  Happy Holidays!

© eSedona.biz, sperryr.com, azsedona.biz  

NEW! Sedona Arizona Calendar of Events

Happy New Year!  and with the new year comes a brand new Sedona Arizona Calendar of Events! As we start the new year, I was thinking about all the events that are starting to be scheduled for 2013.  I realized that each calendar in Sedona that I checked was designed to satisfy a small group of followers for that particular website.

I said to myself, wouldn't it be nice if I could get all the different events scheduled on one calendar. I bet a lot of other folks were thinking the same thing so I took the time over many days to gather the information I would need to put together such a calendar.  Sedona Arizona Calendar of Events is ready for tourists and locals to enjoy. This was a joint venture by eSedona.Biz and Sperryr.com

Here are some of the categories that are covered by this calendar:

• Sedona Events & Festivals including the Arts, Jazz, Film, Holiday, and Community

• Tourist Happening

• Featured Events of local businesses

• Astronomical Events - such as meteor showers, phases of the moon, lunar and solar eclipses

• Astrological Events - such as retrogrades 

I hope that Sedona Arizona Calendar of Events can help you schedule your activities that you want to enjoy in and around Sedona.  If there are other events that you feel may benefit the community of tourists and locals please let us know so we can add them to this calendar.

You can contact us at http://sperryr.com/Feedback.php

Sperryr.com and eSedona.Biz wish you a healthy and happy 2013!

  What Are Customers With Families Looking For In A Home? 

When dealing with family oriented buyers, which may include grand parents, there are many areas to keep     in mind when chosing homes for the buyer to preview. 

Buyers think in terms of safety when a growing family is involved.  Considerations should include, traffic   patterns, fenced in yards, proximity to schools. Other considerations would include extra bathrooms,  extra   bedrooms and quiet ares to study and learn.  We also have to allow for indoor and outdoor recreation with safety again, being the highest priority. 

Kids - Their Space

Age & gender play a big part in deciding the size and the location of kid's bedrooms.  Do the parents want the kids rooms to be a shared experience or multi-purpose rooms or do they want the children to have separate spaces for study and play time.  These are all key points for a realtor® to address with the parents. 

Based on their age, we have to make sure there is sufficient space for the child to grow into.  Most parents want their children's rooms on the same floor as the master bedroom. However, a teenager may want their space to be away from the family as they mature.  For example, a room or two in the basement.  They also may want to entertain their teenage friends and a multi purpose room for study and entertaining may be appropriate. Let's not forget that extra bathroom.  Teenagers are looking for privacy. 

Other areas to consider: 

1) Storage space, 2) Safe exit for emergencies 3) Convenience & accessibility for adult supervision

Multi-Purpose Rooms

Families want their space together and apart from each other.  Depending on the price-point of the buyer, this may be a tall order to fill.  Consideration should be given to rooms that allow the family to participate as a family.  The dining room should be large enough to accomodate family and guests if possible. A room near the front of the home to greet guests that will not inconvenience or disrupt the rest of the family is an added bonus.  Some homes have a multi-purpose or bonus room on the same level as the bedrooms.  This allows the children to study or entertain their friends away from the main area of the home such as a great room or family room. 

Outdoor Play Areas  

The prime consideration for children should be their safety. If a home has a playgroud or play set, it should be inspected.  Is there a risk in using the equipment. This is no different than having a pool.  The home owner needs to have essential precautions in place.  A pool safety expert might be a great step to help make an informed decision as to the best safety equipment to have installed.  Besides suitable fencing, a pool cover and more specifically an electronically controlled cover might be a great option to ensure a safe environment.  Make sure that you meet the minimum standards of pool safety for your area.  Check with your local government agency. 

Let's remember, nothing is more important than proper and constant parental supervision to keep your kids safe.

Safety - Comfort - Privacy - Expansion

As with any buyer, the key for the realtor® is to ask the right questions and listen to the answers to determine the priority to the customer. But looking for a home that is safe, comfortable has the right amount of privacy and room to expand for a growing family are important to finding the right home for your family oriented customers.

As our population continues to age, we have to be very cognizant of those young families who are looking for their peice of the American Dream. As you have read in this article, there are different priorities for families than those buyers who are single or empty nesters. 

Thanksgiving

The picture above brings back pleasant memories from last Thanksgiving. It is a time to be thankful for all our family and friends. The Cornucopia is a symbol of "an abundant supply of good things".  This should remind us to reflect on our bounty and how fortunate we are for what we have.

I am blessed to live in a very special place.  When you look around at the majestic scenery and stare at the night sky, breathe in the crisp pine scented air while listening to the sounds of nature in the background, you can't be anything but thankful. All your senses become heightened.  You realize how alive you are.

Fortunately, most of us can reflect in the same way as I mentioned above,  but what about those who are not as blessed?  At the very least, we can implore to a higher power to help those people who are in need.  If it is within our ability, we can also share our bounty with our neighbors and community and help those who are disadvantaged.

The Thanksgiving table is another symbol of being thankful for our abundance. To me, it is the perfect representation of friends and family getting together to celebrate as one unit sharing stories and memories as well as that all important meal!  Your Thanksgiving table serves as a focal point during this special gathering of all the important people in your life.  The attention you put into the table decorations adds to the ambience and sets the mood for the occasion.

Below you will find a few tips to bring delight to your guests and help celebrate the holiday season.

Eye Catching Centerpieces ~ Vivid Harvest & Autumn Color ~ Other Table Ideas 

This is one example of hundreds of creative ideas you can use to focus attention onto your table.  Remember that you do not want your centerpiece to interfere with the ability of your guests to talk across the table as well as pass your sumptuous meal that you have prepared.  You can always pull the centerpiece off the table and set it on another area that can add a dimension of ambiance to the room. This will allow space for the main dish to be served from the center of then table.  If you are creating mood light with candles don't forget to keep flammables clear of the flames.

Fall offers such an array of Autumn colors to adorn your table. There are the rich reds and scarlet  hues, golden yellows and deep orange shades as well as a splash of green (light or dark) to add an undertone to your rich palette. Using faux foliage combined with berries and leaves can only add to an already warm and inviting setting.





Of course no table is settled without the fruit of the season. Cranberry and pumpkin are probably the most well known but don't ignore other strains of squash and often forgotten persimmon. Hold overs from early in the season include, apples, grapes, berries, pears and yes, even cherries. Fruit can not only be  used as table decoration, it is a perfect light fare to have after your main course has been served.  This leads us into the realm of Fall desserts.

Besides the traditional pumpkin pie, there are hundreds of creative mouth watering ideas including pumpkin & spice breads, fruit turnovers and strudels, cookies and carmel drizzled ice creams.  Other classics such as apple & pecan pie, cheese cakes & mousse delights. Oh! Don't forget the nuts. Some of us like to crack our own.  Yummmm!  So many of us feel guilty we partake in these sweet pleasures, so you may decide to serve bite size pieces of a variety of guilty pleasures to ease the compunction. This has become a very popular choice among your finest eating establishments.

Well, you can see that this tantalizing and delectable selection of treats will be the perfect cap off to any Thanksgiving meal and will help your celebration be a fond and warm memory for all.

May you and yours enjoy Thanksgiving that will provide a life time of memories.

If you are in the market to buy or sell Sedona real estate or Verde Valley property, please call Sheri Sperry @ (928) 274-7355 or visit her website @ www.eSedona.biz .  Happy Holidays!

© eSedona.biz, sperryr.com, azsedona.biz  

How Long Should A Buyer Expect A Home To Last

The simple answer to the question is a home will last as long as the homeowner provides proper maintenance to take care of it.  When the cost of maintenance exceeds the real value to the current homeowner, then it is time to move on. 

Rule of Thumb: Tract homes will generally require more maintenance more often than a custom built home.  However a custom built home may be more expensive when maintenance issues arise.  A big factor in home maintenance is the climate the home is located in. 

That being said.... I have found that most buyers are looking for homes that are less than 10 years old.  By ruling out homes older than 10 years old, the potential buyer is probably eliminating many homes that would fit the criteria they want in a home.  Inspection periods, help the buyer get a good handle on potential maintenance issues and can also lead to a renegotiation of the sales price. 

As we have all seen, there are some homes that will fit the movie "Money Pit". This is the main reason there is an inspection period and buyers should take that very seriously. 

A Realtor's ® job is to see that the buyer does their due diligence during that inspection period and has a good idea what to expect on the quality and maintenance of the home they are purchasing.

In other areas of the country, especially in the east, you can find homes that were built in the 1800's or early 1900's.  It is not uncommon to find "old" homes that are still in use today.  This leads to questions that may arise about the quality of homes that have been built more recently.  You could argue that "cookie cutter" homes in subdivisions that have gone up quickly may be of a more inferior build than those that were built 75 plus years ago. 

I contend that a well maintained home will last and last.  

Here is a great link to help you with understanding the average lifespan of home materials. 

Average Lifespan Chart for Home Materials, Appliances & Other Components

How Important Is Bathroom Design To The Homebuyer?

The average homebuyer will focus much of their attention on two areas when purchasing a home;  kitchens and bathrooms.  The design of your kitchen and your bathrooms matter because they need to be functional for your needs.  If you don't get these areas right, you will be spending large sums of money to make them functional.

Today we will spend our time discussing that all important bathroom design.  Of course, a first impression may have you looking at color schemes but there may be more important areas to consider when looking at the bathroom.

Check The Plumbing 

Looking for leaks is not something that you need a plumber for.  Check by the toilet to see if the floor is discolored or spongy. Press down with your foot.  If there is a lot of give, the fixture may be leaking or has been leaking in the past.  If there is tile on the floor, check the grouting.  In most cases, calcium deposits can build up or discolor the grout where a leak has or is occurring. Vinyl floors will generally bubble if there has been a leak. 

If the home is two stories, check the area underneath the bathroom and look for leaks in the ceiling through patch repair or discolored paint.  You can also look at the hose or pipe fitting under the sinks or around the toilet for mineral deposits. This may also indicate a plumbing concern.  Water damage can lead to damaging the structural integrity of the home.  If you find areas of concern, you should order a professional inspection. 

Check To Make Sure The Design Works For You 

It is a good idea to look beyond the fancy wall colors, new fixtures and flooring to see if the design concept fits your needs. 

Plumbing: How easy is it to access the plumbing if there is a problem.  Look for access panels for the tub, shower, toilet and the sink(s).  Do cabinets or vanities hinder access to the plumbing. 

Fixtures:  How easily do the faucets turn on.  What type of water pressure do you see. Is the water running fast or slow?  Have a professional check the water pressure coming into the house. If it is too high, it is placing stress on the hoses and pipes which could cause a breach at some point.  

Lighting:  Lighting plays many different roles in a bathroom.  Do you have proper lighting around mirrors that is bright and clear?  Is there soft lighting to set a more relaxing mood while bathing or showering? Is natural daylight able to filter in through windows or skylights?

Ventilation: This is important because improper ventilation can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew and other lingering odors.  Do you have a window that offers fresh air?  Bathroom ventilation can be an area that is skimped on by a builder.  Make sure it works!  If it is weak or not clearing the stagnant air in a short amount of time, replace the fan with a more powerful model that will work with the ventilation you have.  You want to make sure the fan vents to the outside.

 Storage: We often overlook the storage needs when checking our bathroom design, especially in smaller bathrooms. Do you have enough room to store bath linens, toiletries, and other bath supplies?

Don't Shortcut The Number Of Bathrooms When Purchasing A Home.

How many bathrooms does your family need?  Anyone who has had to wait outside a bathroom will not want to compromise in this area.  Generally, this is not an area that is negotiable.  When couples share a bathroom, keep in mind the design.  Can two people function in one bathroom independently of each other.  For example, dual sinks can make a huge difference when people share a bathroom space. 

Also remember that a home with more than one bath will have a better resale value that a home with only one bathroom. 

I hope that some of these tips will help you when it comes time to make your decisions on bathroom design. 

Sheri Gets A Very Unexpected Testimonial!

This morning Sheri grabbed her cup of coffee and proceeded to check her emails.  To her surprise there was a testimonial that made her day.  This is an area that you will never hear Sheri mention.  She takes care of her customers day in and day out.  All she wants is "Client Satisfaction". However during the process of buying or selling a home sometimes emotions can get the better of the buyer, seller or Realtor®.  Yes!  Even a Realtor® can get caught up in the moment.

As much as Sheri warns her clients and customers to avoid getting attached to a particular home, her customers can get attached!  At some point they start to fall in love with a particular property.  This leads to excitement and hope that everything goes well with the transaction.  Unfortunately, as you may have suspected, sometimes deals fall through or don't go as planned and this creates a lot of angst.  What if it happens more than one time?  You can understand why a customer can become discouraged and may even lose hope that there is any property that will fit their "dream home".

Sheri has seen her clients become very emotional because a deal is not going smoothly.  She has told me that this is her time to be a calming force.  When the sky is black with thunder and lightning, somehow Sheri will find the silver lining or that distant rainbow.  She will point out just where that patch of blue sky is and how the sun is shinning through.

Her skill and calming force is not just with her clients.  She manages to be the calming force with other realtors as well.  Where a deal might well fall through because the other agent and their client have succumbed to the emotions of the deal, Sheri knows how to maintain respect and a businesslike attitude and ultimately remain cool, calm and collected.  Her associates have commented on her ability to keep a deal from turning sour. She is gaining a lot of respect from other agents and brokers here in the Sedona real estate market.

Here is a testimonial from a client who has been on the emotional roller coaster (more than once) through their quest to find the "dream home".

~~~ TESTIMONIAL ~~~

Short Sales & Foreclosures - Finding That Deal Of A Lifetime...Or Is It?

In today's market, many buyers feel that they want to get the deal of a lifetime.  There has to be a short sale or foreclosure out there that has their name on it and is at that bargain basement price that they can pick up for a song.  Surely you have heard the stories?  Homes selling so far below what they are worth it will make your head spin!

Well there is another side of the story!  Certainly there are some deals left to be had, but most of the "good deals" are snatched up before they hit the MLS.  Buyers are lined up and ready to pay cash. It is just a mere formality that some of these deals hit the MLS, because it may be part of the process.

Short sales and foreclosures or bank owned properties are not for the faint of heart. A distressed property is just that, distressed!  In the short sale process, the bank agrees to a sale below the loan amount that is due to the investor. This is oversimplifying it a little, but the point is that buying a short sale may not be the great deal you think it is.  You always have to remember that in most cases, the home is going to go for what the market will bare.



The home owner is under-water on the home. This generally means that they are not getting anything back when the property sells.  Like the house above, the short sale or foreclosure may be in disrepair because the home owner does not want to sink any more money into it.  Chances are they can not afford to put money out for general maintenance.  This means that areas such as plumbing, electrical, home appliances may be broken or in need of replacing.

Some distressed property owners are so upset about the situation they are in, they cause deliberate destruction.  The house may be decaying because of lack of paint and termite damage.  Hidden costs can add up. In most cases, you cannot rely upon disclosure to find out about the details.  Why?  The home owner may already have moved out causing the bank to take the home back.  The bank is not obligated to disclose any problems unless they have lived in the home.  So it is up to you to make sure you are getting the best deal possible.

As you may already know, there are properties that may not sell for other reasons, such as an unreasonable or difficult seller or the home was put on the market at the wrong time and wrong price. Don't forget that you may be dealing with a third party who is the investor (bank).  They have the final say during the sale.  This is all business to them.  There is no emotion and you may not have the leverage you anticipate.

Make sure you get a good and accurate inspection and have a calculator handy so you can figure out the hidden costs.  If major repairs are necessary, you will need a licensed contractor that you can trust who will not gouge you.

The old saying "If it looks to good to be true, it probably is" may apply on a distressed property. Be ready to walk away. The "deal of a lifetime" may become a lifetime of nightmares and expense if you are not careful. Remember that movie "The Money Pit"!