Realty Executives of Flagstaff
Often, in old western movies, when the good guys were overwhelmed or in danger, the cavalry would come riding to the rescue.
It made for an exciting scene!
These days, you may never get into a situation where you need soldiers on horseback to help you. However, it can be all-too-easy to become overwhelmed with questions and concerns, particularly when it comes to real estate.
When that happens, rather than waiting for the cavalry to come galloping over the hill, you can call or email Renee or I.
We are happy to “come to the rescue” and provide you with any answers or advice you need. In fact, We have access to the latest data on the Flagstaff to Williams market, so you can always count on the insights and recommendations we provide to be current.
So, even if you’re merely curious about our local real estate scene — what’s available, prices, etc. — feel free to reach out to one of us at any time.
Now, let’s dive into a bit of the data...
What has the market done in the last 4 years? How substantially have prices increased? Below is a chart showing the percentage of change throughout Flagstaff neighborhoods or the surrounding areas between 2017 - 2021.
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As you can see, the percentage of change is quite drastic and since 2017 Flagstaff’s median sales price has increased by 51.5%.
With numbers soaring we are often asked when the bubble is going to pop. Well, our crystal ball is currently broken but we do know that if inventory slowly climbs then prices will continue to rise rapidly but if inventory sharply increases, house price growth will slow.
Please reach out to Jeff or I if you have any questions or would like more data for a specific area.
~Renee
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Did you know there are 6 fires currently burning in our county? Be fire READY!
Guidance from our county's emergency department recommends being fire safe around your home AND they provide a service for having you stay in the know for evacuation alerts.
Learn about evacuations here - be ready - set - go!
https://www.coconino.az.gov/
Sign up for notifications from Coconino County here:
https://www.smart911.com/
Map of current fires here:
How to have a fire ready home:
https://coconino.az.gov/
https://coconino.az.gov/
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With an abundance of natural beauty, landmarks, ski areas and cultural sites to enjoy, don’t forget to look up! Flagstaff is the world’s first International Dark Sky City.
The fascination with Northern Arizona’s night sky began with the earliest civilizations. Native American stories, shared around campfires, captured meaning in and reverence for the stars. In modern times, astronomer Percival Lowell is credited with nurturing our appreciation for the cosmos and building a consciousness about the possibility of life in the universe.
LOWELL OBSERVATORY
In 1896, Lowell built the Clark Telescope at what is now Lowell Observatory to study what he thought were canals on Mars. Although he couldn’t prove there was life on our neighboring planet, he inspired throngs of future scientists and casual observers to wonder, explore and learn. It is here that Pluto was discovered, as well as planets orbiting around stars trillions of miles away. One of the most significant findings was the first evidence of the expanding universe.
Lowell’s legacy continues on as the observatory promotes world-class research and public education. At an elevation of 7,200 feet, the new Giovale Open Deck Observatory (affectionately called GODO) boasts five advanced telescopes on an elevated plaza. Visitors can enjoy a unique experience and connection to the universe through extraordinary views of our moon, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies and planets while knowledgeable professionals interpret these observations.
-Destination Flagstaff @7000ft, 2021 Official Relocation & Visitor’s Guide ( A publication of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce www.FlagstaffChamber.com)
We hope you’re enjoying the spring season so far!
A quick question for you: What kind of professional do you like to work with?
For us — whether it’s an accountant, lawyer or investment advisor — we prefer to work with someone who continually adds value. Someone who provides excellent advice, is responsive when we have questions, puts our best interests first, and regularly sends helpful news and information.
In other words, someone who focuses on being of service and we strive to be that same kind of professional to our clients.
If you have questions or need advice on anything real estate related, we want you to know that you can always reach out to us. And, of course, if you’re thinking about moving this year, let’s talk. We’ll show you what’s possible.
We are here for you.
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Fun News!! The Flagstaff Farmers Market is open and back at City Hall, 211 W Aspen Ave. The market will run May 2nd through October 17th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Due to it being on city property, vendors and staff are required to mask up and follow COVID-19 mitigation guidelines. Customers are encouraged to practice safe protocols and spaces will be left open to ensure that the area will not feel too crowded and everyone can flow through easily.
My family and I enjoy picking up produce for the week and a big cinnamon roll that we can snack on while sitting in Wheeler Park. What a relief to have a bit of normalcy back and a beautiful space to enjoy as the warmer weather rolls in. |
How Does Flagstaff Real Estate Market Compare?
To get a better feel for how Flagstaff compares to the rest of the nation and even the rest of Arizona, I included comments from sources throughout the nation.
As you will see the trend is similar nationwide.
We have a shortage of homes, an over abundance of Buyers, and interest rates are as low as we have seen.
There are a lot of reasons we live here in Flagstaff, and I get asked often, where are all the buyers coming from.
I have seen a couple of articles recently about the slight population exodus from California. CBS news just reported that for the first time since 1850, California had a population decline. The number stated was 182,000 or a decline of .46% in their total population.
MSN reported the top 5 states they are moving to, in this order. Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Washington and Idaho.
To put things in a little better perspective, that 182,000 figure equates to approximately 61,500 households.
Are all the buyers coming from out of state and California? Unfortunately we have no true facts to measure that, though the perception I hear a lot is from our neighbors to the west.
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This is very close to Flagstaff, With our Days on Market in Flagstaff (the time it takes from start of the listing to closing and turning over to the new buyer), this year-to-date is 68 days, of those days, it took 14 days to get an accepted contract. Compared to 2020 of 117 days on market and 68 days to get a contract on the home |
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As I am pulling together facts for this blog, in the General Flagstaff area, we have 105 homes on the market. Over the past 4 months, we have sold an average of 110 homes a month. |
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Today as I write this, and as mentioned above, we have only 105 homes on the market, Compare this to April 2008 we had over 1,400 homes on the market and over a 12 month supply of homes, coupled with far fewer buyer. We are polar opposites of the crash in 2008, where we had too many homes on the market, and not enough buyers. |
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Though there is no crystal ball, we will be hard pressed too find to many that are saying a crash is coming. Just too many things are different from the housing crash in 2008. The main differences today, lack of housing, the extremely large number of buyers on the search, and the low interest rates. |
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New Listings are coming to the market every day. All year we have hovered around 60-70 active homes, today are up to 105 homes. The yellow line in this chart is the telling tale, |
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I get asked frequently to look for Foreclosures, either Bank-owned or Short-sales homes. With the rise in prices there are fewer and fewer homeowners underwater with their homes. Over the past 16 months, only 3 Bank-owned and 1 Short-sale home have sold, out of over 2300 home sales. |
It’s clear that consumers are concerned about how quickly home values are rising. Many people fear the speed of appreciation may lead to a crash in prices later this year. In fact, as mentioned above, Google reports that the search for “When is the housing market going to crash?” has actually spiked 2450% over the past month.
In addition, Jim Dalrymple II of Inman News notes:
“One of the most noteworthy things that came up in Inman’s conversations with agents was that every single one said they’ve had conversations with clients about whether or not the market is heading into a bubble.”
To alleviate some of these concerns, let’s look at what several financial analysts are saying about the current residential real estate market. Within the last thirty days, four of the major financial services giants came to the same conclusion: the housing market is strong, and price appreciation will continue. Here are their statements on the issue:
Morgan Stanley, Thoughts on the Market Podcast:
“Unlike 15 years ago, the euphoria in today's home prices comes down to the simple logic of supply and demand. And we at Morgan Stanley conclude that this time the sector is on a sustainably, sturdy foundation . . . . This robust demand and highly challenged supply, along with tight mortgage lending standards, may continue to bode well for home prices. Higher interest rates and post pandemic moves could likely slow the pace of appreciation, but the upward trajectory remains very much on course.”
If you’re concerned about making the decision to buy or sell right now, let’s connect to discuss what’s happening in our local Flagstaff market.
Getting the Home You Want in a Competitive Market |
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Even in a competitive market, you don’t want to end up overpaying. That’s why
savvy offer preparation, presentation and negotiation are also keys to getting the
home you want.
A Connected Home Helps Us Make Smart Choices |
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Home hubs are the next logical step beyond streaming services. They provide instant communication between household utilities. It is now possible to connect a single master control to automate decisions on your behalf regarding security, HVAC, plumbing, lighting, media & entertainment – and even monitor diet, physical activity and personal health.
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Should You Buy the “Except for…” Home? |
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Trying to answer these questions might help:
It can be tough to work through a decision like this, especially if you’re in a situation where you need to make an offer quickly. Call today for help.
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Notable, Quotable, Quotes! |
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“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” “Your big opportunity may be right where you are now.” |
About the Authors:
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Jeff Ross * Renee Gaun 928-607-5556 Jeff
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15 E. Cherry Ave |
Honoring the Arts, Tribes and Culture of the Southwest
Flagstaff sits within the beautiful Northern Arizona region elevated at 7,000 feet. It’s a place where artists of all types and culture lovers mix beautifully. Being located as the closest border town to the Navajo and Hopi reservations brings Flagstaff rich Southwestern diversity, including festivals that celebrate Native American culture, rodeos and a huge artistic community.
The Museum of Northern Arizona offers extensive exhibits, impressive historical collections and engaging festivals that celebrate the art, culture and natural sciences of the Colorado Plateau.
For example, the museum’s Native Peoples of the Colorado Plateau exhibit, which opened in 2018 in partnership with 45 tribal consultants, features 350 artifacts including weavings, carvings, pottery and toys.
The MNA annual tribal celebrations include:
Zuni Festival of Arts & Culture: This fun-filled celebration in which participants can learn about ancestral foods and gardening techniques takes place on Memorial Day weekend. Artists will demonstrate their techniques while musical and dance events fill the courtyard. You can purchase traditional and contemporary art as well.
Hopi Festival of Arts & Culture: The event, which dates back to the 1930s and showcases 100 Hopi artists and presenters from Hopi villages in the region, takes place around July 4.
Navajo Festival of Arts & Culture: The early August get-together features fry bread, Navajo tacos, music and dance performances and artwork for sale by dozens of Navajo jewelers, weavers, painters and potters.
Celebracionés de la Gente: The annual Day of the Dead festival in late October includes arts and crafts, Folklorico and Aztec dancing, elaborate ofrendas (altars), music and heritage programs.
The Flagstaff Festival in the Pines returned to Fort Tuthill County Park in 2019 reestablishing its rich tradition of art, music and festival fun. The three day event from July 4-6 includes two live music stages, dozens of artists, kid’s activities, food booth and a beer garden. It is an opportunity for the entire family to enjoy a holiday break.
The Flagstaff Arts Council operates the Coconino Center for the Arts, which features a 200-seat theater and a 4,000-square-foot artist’s gallery. The center regularly hosts concerts, exhibits and art workshops in numerous mediums including drawing, felting, acting, photography and embroidery. In addition they host a Summer Concert Series in June and July, First Friday Art Walks and Downtown Friday Nights.
In June, the two-day Flag Wool and Fiber Festival takes place at the Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum. You can observe sheep shearing, learn from guest speakers and enjoy animal exhibits that feature camels, llamas, alpacas and rabbits. Visit vendor booths to browse and buy yarn, scarves and clothing. The festival also offers workshops on spinning, dyeing, weaving and felting, while participants take part in demonstrations and competitions.
All summer music aficionados can enjoy concert nights at Fort Tuthill on the grass. Musicians of all types love the cool climate and great mountain air during summertime. What’s more fun than sitting under the stars to enjoy live music with friends and family?
The Flagstaff Pro Rodeo, a Turquoise Circuit competition, attracts nearly 9,000 fans to Flagstaff, 50 vendors and more than 300 cowboy contestants to the area in late June. This three day event at the Fort Tuthill County Park, features team roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding and other rodeo entertainment for the whole family.
During the height of summer, you can celebrate Independence Day at the Chamber’s Fourth of July Parade featuring more than 100 entries. Flagstaff was named the No. 1 city for July 4 activities by Travel and Leisure Magazine, evidenced by the spectacular parade, a Downtown Mile Race and Flagstaff Festival in the Pines, all coordinated and delivered by the Flagstaff Chamber. In addition, the Flagstaff Symphony delivers a boisterous patriotic music concert in the afternoon at Fort Tuthill Park.
In nearby historic Williams, only 35 miles west of Flagstaff on Route 66, ARTober Fest takes place two weekends before Halloween. The event is in the downtown historic district and features arts, crafts, and gourmet food exhibitors.
Pickin’ in the Pines, a bluegrass and acoustic music festival, takes place in September at Pepsi Amphitheater in the Fort Tuthill County Park. It was voted as “Best Festival” in 2017 and 2018 by readers of the Arizona Daily Sun. In addition to bluegrass music, the event also highlights a variety of acoustic music including Celtic, gypsy jazz and old-time music.
*Article taken from Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce publication, “Destination Flagstaff @7000ft”: 2019-2020 Official Relocation & Visitor’s Guide
It’s not uncommon for people to think of a real estate agent as someone who only helps buy or sell properties. And, of course, that’s a big part of what Renee and I do for our clients.
But you may not realize that we can do a lot more.
For example, if you have questions about the local market, you can contact us. We are happy to answer your questions and, if needed, provide you with more in-depth information and advice.
Renee and I are also well-connected in the local real estate community. So, if you’re looking for a recommendation — for a contractor, painter, electrician, etc. — we can probably give you a name or two.
So, please think of us as your real estate resource. We're here to help however we can.
Renee here,
Before we get to jump in to Jeff's fun hike I wanted to give a quick market update. With the tight inventory that we have there’s a perception that fewer listings are being launched. To everyone’s surprise, that is not the case.
Year to year for the first quarter of the year we have almost the same amount of listings becoming available per month, we just don’t have the baseline inventory that is typically there. That baseline consists of homes that have a higher rate of days on market, homes that may take a bit longer to sell. Right now, it is rare for any listing to sit very long.
The days on market average has significantly dropped due to the competitive nature of this market. To help understand how 2021 compares to previous years, let’s jump into some numbers.
Average Days on Market
Number of New Listings January - March
So as you can see, the perception that fewer homes are coming on the market is in fact not what has happened in our first quarter of the 2021. What has happened is that up to this point, we have used all our reserves in active homes. Currently in Flagstaff, we only have 78 homes on the market, we should have 300 or so.
As we move forward in 2021, please never hesitate to reach out to Jeff or I, we would be happy to discuss any of your needs.
Taking a Stroll on the Arizona Trail
It was a sunny Monday afternoon, Jack and I headed to the base camp at the Saddle Mountain trail head about 20 miles as the crow flies south of Payson Arizona.
Once at the Base camp, we meet up with Rob and Robert, our hiking partners for this hike.
Tonight, is just getting together, and finishing our trip plans.
This will be a little different since we have a 2 day hike on Passage 22 of the AZ trail, then a layover day into Davey Gowens cabin, and then up to Barnhart Falls to the north of us, as the crow flies maybe 6.1 miles for our Barnhart hike.
Our goal over the next couple days is Saddle Mountain Passage 22 of the Arizona Trail.
The Trail is in great shape as we start our mainly downhill hike of 17 miles. Though we know not to let that fool us since the first 7 miles of the hike will be up and down a lot. The AZ Trail Association has Trail Stewards and they have done a very good job of keeping this passage in great shape. As mentioned in the past, we are each self-sufficient in what we carry and need. One of those items are water filters. I carried three possibilities, my predominate use was the Katadyn Befree, also carry a Katadyn Steripen Adventurer and as an emergency, a few Potable Aqua Tabletsin my first aid kit. I know the main filter Robert had was a Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System, Jack carried also carried the Steripen from Katadyn, and then Rob carried something else. Being in the Desert with water sources not always clear and flowing, options are good to have.
What I have not mentioned is the number of folks we ran across that were thru hiking the Arizona Trail, the traditional direction is South to North. The groups ranged as small as 1, to 3 or 4 hikers.
Again, the trail was very good, had some water spots, but not as much as we had thought there would be.
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The Trail is in great shape as we start our mainly downhill hike of 17 miles. Though we know not to let that fool us since the first 7 miles of the hike will be up and down a lot. The AZ Trail Association has Trail Stewards and they have done a very good job of keeping this passage in great shape. As mentioned in the past, we are each self-sufficient in what we carry and need. One of those items are water filters. I carried three possibilities, my predominate use was the Katadyn Befree, also carry a Katadyn Steripen Adventurer and as an emergency, a few Potable Aqua Tabletsin my first aid kit. I know the main filter Robert had was a Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System, Jack carried also carried the Steripen from Katadyn, and then Rob carried something else. Being in the Desert with water sources not always clear and flowing, options are good to have.
What I have not mentioned is the number of folks we ran across that were thru hiking the Arizona Trail, the traditional direction is South to North. The groups ranged as small as 1, to 3 or 4 hikers.
Again, the trail was very good, had some water spots, but not as much as we had thought there would be.
About the Authors:
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Where the experts are - Serving Flagstaff and Northern Arizona since 1977
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