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Why Housing Prices should not fall much further in Sedona!

If you have been reading this newsletter for longer than a year, you may recall it was about this time that we started talking about the RAPIDLY declining real estate market in Sedona. In comparing last June to July the Real Estate market dropped by well over 50% in one month and our long nervous spell began. Well, here we are a year later and I am here to tell you that many indicators point us in an upward direction. One of the things we do at Coldwell Banker First Affiliate is watch numbers, almost with an obsession, because it gives us the first glimpse for trends that we know will affect our customers. One of the numbers we look for are the number of pending sales in a given month. The lowest point for that number was September of last year. Since then we have watched a steady, although gradual, increase in pending sales.

It is my opinion that there are a number of buyers out there that have been sitting on the fence hoping that home prices would continue to fall. I think the worst is over for housing values in the Sedona area for two reasons, the first of which I’ve already mentioned and that is the steady increase in pending sales, which indicates a rising demand. The second reason I would not expect home prices to drop much further is the fact that Sedona is a resort market, and resort markets react differently to economic pressures than do traditional markets. The reason for that is that a much lower percentage of Sedona residents require a steady income to live here than in traditional markets. Many homes in the Sedona area are second homes, and of the primary residents many of them are retired and don’t need to rush a sale. There will always be people in any market who absolutely have to sell, but that percentage will not be as high in Sedona as it would in say Flagstaff.

Now, there are still many listings which are over-priced for this market so you may still see some of those homes reduce prices in order to come down to the market, but the market looks stronger now than it did a year ago and if I’m right about pent up buyer demand then we may very well have a very enjoyable fall selling season. The days of 25% annual appreciating home values may be gone but a strong healthy Real Estate Market may not be that far away.

Tod Christensen, Designated Broker

Coldwell Banker First Affiliate

Gentle Cleansing with Herbal Infusions

Living in a conscious and health conscious place like Sedona we are always hearing about cleansing our systems internally. This is a very powerful tool to staying healthy and vibrant; however, some of the methods for detoxification aren’t always as healthy as they could be. Using specific herbal infusions can be the gentle type of cleansing that honors you and your body. As we say good-bye to summer and head into autumn we are faced with a perfect opportunity to support our bodies and make room for increased vitality.

An herbal infusion is similar to herbal tea; we use most of the same herbs. Tea is usually steeped for 5-30 minutes. Herbal infusions take 4-12 hours, allowing for the water to have time to extract all of the high nutrient content from the plants. The nutrition that we receive from herbal infusions is second to none as it easy for our bodies to recognize the vitamins and minerals and assimilate them. All different herbs and parts of the plants can be used, depending on your desired results.

For a change of season “house cleaning”, I like to use Dandelion root and Burdock root. Roots help us stay grounded, allowing us to be centered as Mother Nature changes our external environment.

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis) has direct actions on the liver, promoting detoxification and bile flow, removing accumulations, and reducing liver congestion. Since our liver has the not so easy job of processing everything that goes into our bodies, including emotions, stress, and outside energies, it is wise to offer this helper our focused support and healing intentions. As we release and let go of accumulated toxins in the liver, we re-open ourselves to the gentle flows of life. There is a reason it is called the “LIVER”!

Burdock root (Arctium lappa) will not only help cool the liver, it will also clean the blood and is a specific remedy for the lymph. One of the important jobs of the lymphatic system is to clean out harmful bacteria and organisms that could make us sick. Some symptoms of congested lymph include eczema, swollen glands, muscle aches and stiff joints. Burdocks cooling action promotes detoxification, removes lymph congestion, clears heat, and reduces inflammation.

Together, Burdock and Dandelion roots are a dynamic duo! To make an herbal infusion with these powerful allies, pour 1 pint of boiling water over 1oz. of the roots and let this sit for eight hours or overnight. Strain and drink cold or reheat, add honey or agave nectar to taste. Drink this pint during the day and try it out for one cycle of moon.

Kimba Kraft , the author, is a gifted Clinical Herbalist with a passion for healing and plant medicine. She invites her clients to share their stories in a safe and compassionate environment with the supreme goal of matching the person with the perfect plant allies. She feels that through plants we can access our true health and vibrancy, thus allowing our spirit to soar. Kimba also teaches classes on local plant medicines, medicine making, and healing through herbs. She currently does consultations in her office in Sedona. For more information please call or email.

She believes that when the physical body is healthy, we can allow our spirit to soar.

For consultations contact her at 928.300.8233 or email kkraft@myway.com.