For those with limited funds, meeting the financial challenge of living here can be daunting.  What makes Sedona particularly expensive is the cost of housing.  If you are planning to buy a home, I suggest renting first.  Many people who relocate here are not familiar with Sedona or its neighboring towns.  Renting first will give you time to learn about the area so that you can make an informed housing decision.

Here are some suggestions that may help you to reduce your housing expenses:

1.     Networking is the greatest tool for finding affordable housing, especially if you don't know much about the area.  You may want consider calling and writing to Sedona organizations that interest you, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, the City of Sedona, and Sedona realtors.  Tell them you are relocating to the area and ask if they have suggestions for finding affordable housing in the area.  If they can't help you directly, ask if they know someone who can; and don't rely on just one person's advice.

2.      If you’re renting, consider apartments that include utilities.  Often times this is a better deal that paying for utilities separately.  When I first came to Sedona, I rented a studio apartment that had all utilities included even cable service and internet.  

3.      Try to avoid committing to long-term rental leases.  My apartment lease was for three months, and I could renew after that.  The three-month lease worked out perfectly because at the end of that period I was able to purchase my home.

     A friend of mine was a tenant at will in an apartment where she encountered  substandard conditions and an uncooperative landlord.  The lack of a lease allowed her to move out without incurring a financial penalty. 

4.      If possible, rent an apartment with more than one bedroom or a house so that you can share costs with others.  A friend of mine rents a four bedroom house.  He has rented out three of the bedrooms and that covers the majority of his housing costs.  (make sure that your rental agreement permits this).

5.     If you’re willing to be a property caretaker, you may want to find out about house sitting options.  Many of the wealthy in Sedona live in their homes for a limited period during the year and welcome the opportunity to have someone safeguard their property.  These opportunities are usually found through networking.  Be prepared to undergo a background and credit check and to have references contacted.

6.     Consider renting in one of the adjacent towns like Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville, or, even further away, Camp Verde.  Housing in these towns is much more affordable.

     Before I moved to Sedona, I networked with a community leader who said she lived in a neighboring community because it was a more affordable option.

7.      If you want to own a home but have limited cash, consider buying a manufactured home.  Sedona has two manufactured home parks for those aged fifty-five or older.  A manufactured home was the solution I chose.  It enabled me to buy a three bedroom house built in 2004 with two baths and 1400 square feet for $110,000.  Some of the older manufactured homes that need work can sell at prices as low as $35,000. 

8.     Lease to own is another strategy you may want to explore if you don't have money for a down payment and want to own your home.  One of the people that I networked with in Cottonwood buys property and then leases the house to own.

The way it works is that he would rent it out for three years; and half of each month’s rent he would put aside.  The money put aside would be used for a down payment by the renters.  You may want to check with local realtors to see if they are aware of any lease to own situations, and have a lawyer review the lease-to-buy agreement before signing.  Sedona Verde Valley Association of Realtors at 928-282-5409 can help you locate a realtor.

However you choose to resolve your housing situation keep in mind that housing is usually your largest expense.  If you can contain these costs, you will have more time to pursue your dream and enjoy the beauty of Verde Valley.

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