I am fortunate to be a member of the Sedona Luxury Real Estate Professionals Association. And if you remember the goodwill that came from Macy’s Santa recommending Gimbels department store to a parent wanting to purchase a toy that Macy’s didn’t carry in the classic 1947 film, Miracle on 34th Street, then you will have a hint of the motives of the Sedona Luxury Real Estate Professionals. Macys and Gimbels were vigorous competitors, as could be the members of our organization - warmly referred to as SLREP, each from different real estate brokerages and with individual real estate practices. Often times it seems that when times get tough, in any profession, competitors get more territorial, even ruthless. But in this challenging market, we have taken the highroad and are reaping rewards both personally and are obtaining tangible results for our clients.
Created in 2005, the group’s mission is to foster greater collaboration, educational programs, networking, the highest professional standards and quality of care for the clients twe serve. So as the effects of the economy trickled up to include those generally considered to be recession-proof, we have pooled our various expertise and mutual support, meeting twice a month to share market knowledge, use cooperative advertising and spent the necessary time to become intimately familiar with each others listings in the luxury marketplace. It works beautifully, last year 19 homes priced at $1 million dollars or more sold in Sedona and the agents of the Sedona Luxury Real Estate Professionals represented a seller or buyer in 45 % of those sales. An amazing percentage when you consider that the SLREP’s number 32 of the more than 600 real estate agents practicing in the Sedona—Verde Valley area.
Thomas Jefferson stated: “This time, like all times, is a good one, if we but know what to do with it.” That may never have been truer than it is for luxury homebuyers and sellers in Sedona AZ right now. Our current market activity is running well ahead of last year and we believe that Sedona’s luxury market is perfectly positioned for a stable and successful luxury market for both buyers and sellers as we move through 2010 and 2011. Luxury home buyers have options and so does Sedona offering uniquely scenic views, and all of the amenities, hiking, biking, golf, art galleries, top rated schools, theaters, entertainment and exquisite fine dining. The area enjoys 4 mild seasons and close proximity to high end shopping and the best in medical care. The most savvy, knowledgeable and experienced investors are moving back into the real estate market. Many of the wealthiest buyers are capitalizing on the incredible affordability in prices and interest rates to buy that dream home or luxury vacation home
A dues based group, SLREP is available to all real estate professionals in Sedona and the Verde Valley and as the group has become more known, many clients ask if their agent is a member. If you could work with the most connected, knowledgeable and committed network of luxury real estate professionals why wouldn’t you?
If you are interested in purchasing a home in the luxury marketplace please contact me at 928-301-0669 for more information, or email me at barbara@barbarabaker.com