This week, the Arizona Association of REALTORS®’ (AAR’s) board of directors voted to acquire the assets and operations of the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS) with the intent of expanding its coverage throughout the state. In most parts of the U.S., REALTOR®-operated MLS systems provide the only reliable information about properties for sale or rent.

AAR has been discussing the pros and cons of operating a statewide MLS for more than three years. Earlier this year, AAR President Duane Fouts and his team arranged a series of meetings around the state to gather input from its members about the prospect of a statewide MLS. In addition, negotiations were conducted with the four ARMLS shareholder associations to purchase ARMLS. Since ARMLS makes up over 70% of the total MLS subscribers in Arizona, its acquisition was seen as an essential factor in creating a statewide MLS.

The four shareholder associations, Phoenix Association of REALTORS® (PAR), the Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS® (SAAR), the SouthEast Valley Association of REALTORS® (SEVRAR), and the West Maricopa Regional Association of REALTORS® (WeMAR), started ARMLS in 1982 as one of the country’s largest MLS systems.

“This is a real milestone in providing all Arizona REALTORS® with a statewide listing system,” said Mr. Fouts. “The team that has been working on this represents some of the brightest and best minds from Arizona and around the country. We’re grateful for everyone who shared their candid thoughts with us along the way.”

The Arizona Association of REALTORS® is the largest professional trade association in the state. It’s comprised of individuals involved in the real estate industry, allied industries, and firms. The Association’s nearly 39,000 members represent more than half of the real estate licenses in Arizona. For more information about the Arizona Association of REALTORS®, including home buying and selling points, visit the organization’s website at http://www.aaronline.com.

We are discussing the sale of our buildable lot in the Village of Oak Creek in Sedona. We do not wish to miss economic upticks in value or experience a loss if either one be known.

Might now be an opportune time for Sedona land sales?

Should we stay the present course?

It would be quite pleasant to liquidate this lot ownership and its taxes. It is an investment only purchase without emotional attachment.

We have not visited Sedona in three years and have no intention of a return at least for that time again. Future plans are to retire else where therefore we tend toward selling the Sedona lot.

A friend advises preparation for the next U.S. double digit low. A Sedona friend has advised selling immediately as the Village of Oak Creek lot will lose its Sedona postal address, in evidence your proposed U.S. political redistricting changes, a, do you agree, devastating value loss to the landlot’s market-ability and cachet?

Mr. Baguley, we would never have considered the purchase of a lot in the Village of Oak Creek without its Sedona address. We do believe the same mind set of other investors in the future. We do then have concern of missing the lot’s “sell” opportunity.

Your comments will be appreciated, respected and listened to if not reacted upon. Prior 1990 stock market losses attest to a woeful predeliction for not heeding sound financial advice.

You have written a fine article, Mr. Baguley. Fine vetting of the subject complexities.

If one will please sign us SEDONA LOT OWNERS. We are out of country and prefer names and address be held in strict confidentiality. If policy demands public post of names and address, kindly reject this submission. It appears not a requirement to avid readers such as we.

(Names and address removed per request)