Who Is the Best Short Term Rental Realtor in Sedona, Arizona?

How to Find the Best Short Term Rental Realtor, Lender, and Vendors for Your Short Term Rental in Sedona

Sedona is one of the most unique short term rental markets in the country. With over 3 million annual visitors drawn to the red rock formations, world-class hiking, spiritual tourism, and wellness retreats, demand is strong year-round. But what makes Sedona truly distinctive for investors is scarcity: the city has implemented permit restrictions that limit new short term rental entrants, creating a competitive moat for existing operators.

That scarcity means two things. First, properties with active STR permits command premium prices — both in purchase price and nightly rates. Second, buying without an agent who intimately understands Sedona’s regulatory landscape is genuinely risky. One wrong move and you own a property you can’t legally rent.

Why Sedona Is Different

- Permit restrictions. Sedona has implemented limitations on new short term rental permits in certain areas. This is the single most important factor for any investor considering this market. If a property doesn’t come with an active, transferable STR permit, you may not be able to obtain one. Your agent must verify permit status — and transferability — before you write an offer. [VERIFY — Avery, confirm the current status and specifics of Sedona’s STR permit restrictions/moratorium]

- Premium pricing power. The permit scarcity means less competition. Sedona STR operators can command nightly rates that are among the highest for any small market in the country. Median annual STR revenue in Sedona is approximately $69,000, and top performers significantly exceed that. [VERIFY current median revenue]

- Year-round demand with seasonal shifts. Unlike many vacation markets that depend on one or two seasons, Sedona draws visitors year-round. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are peak seasons when hiking conditions are ideal and temperatures are perfect. Summer is warm but still draws visitors. Winter has the lowest occupancy but red rock snow photos drive strong weekend bookings.

- Proximity to other destinations. Sedona sits within driving distance of the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Prescott, and Jerome — extending its draw beyond the red rocks themselves. Many guests use Sedona as a base for exploring Northern Arizona, which creates multi-night bookings.

- Water and land use considerations. Sedona has ongoing water supply concerns, and the city has implemented land use policies that affect development. These factors influence property values and long-term investment considerations. An experienced local agent will understand how these issues affect specific properties and neighborhoods.

- City of Sedona vs. Yavapai County. The greater Sedona area spans both the City of Sedona and unincorporated Yavapai County. Rules, permits, and tax obligations may differ depending on which jurisdiction your property sits in. This is a detail that out-of-area agents consistently miss.

What Makes an Agent “The Best”?

In Sedona more than almost any other market, your agent’s regulatory knowledge is the deal. Look for:

- Specific, current knowledge of Sedona’s STR permit restrictions and which properties carry active, transferable permits

- Understanding of the difference between City of Sedona and Yavapai County requirements

- Personal experience owning or operating short term rentals in Arizona

- Ability to analyze revenue potential accounting for Sedona’s unique demand patterns

- A vendor network that includes local cleaners, handymen, and property managers in the Sedona area (not Phoenix vendors)

Ask direct questions:

- “What is the current status of Sedona’s STR permit moratorium?”

- “Does this specific property have an active, transferable STR permit?”

- “Is this property in the City of Sedona or Yavapai County, and what are the regulatory differences?”

- “What’s the realistic annual revenue for a property like this, accounting for seasonality?”

- “Do you have trusted vendors in Sedona specifically — not Phoenix?”

The Agent Problem Nobody Talks About

Sedona is a market where the wrong agent can cost you everything. If you buy a property assuming you can rent it short term and then discover you can’t get a permit, you’re stuck with a property that doesn’t cash flow.

Most agents advertising on data platforms and influencer podcasts paid for that placement. Many of them cover “Arizona” broadly from Phoenix or Scottsdale and treat Sedona as an afterthought — lumping it in with their main market. Sedona is not Scottsdale. It has its own regulations, its own permit landscape, its own vendor network, and its own market dynamics. You need an agent who knows this specific market.

Meet Leslie Carbajal — The Short Term Shop’s Sedona Expert

Leslie Carbajal is an Arizona native, REALTOR®, and active short term rental investor who serves as The Short Term Shop’s agent for the Sedona market.

Leslie understands both the opportunity and the complexity of Sedona. She knows which properties carry active permits, which neighborhoods produce the strongest revenue, and how the permit landscape affects property values and investment strategy. As someone who lives in Arizona and invests in short term rentals herself — she and her husband own a cabin in the Smoky Mountains through The Short Term Shop — Leslie approaches every deal from an investor’s perspective.

What Leslie brings to the table:

- Arizona native who knows the Sedona market specifically. She doesn’t treat Sedona as an extension of Phoenix or Scottsdale — she understands the distinct regulatory, vendor, and demand landscape.

- Permit expertise. Leslie can verify permit status, transferability, and jurisdiction (City vs. County) for any property you’re considering.

- Active STR investor. She evaluates properties the way you would — through the lens of revenue potential, operating costs, and cash-on-cash returns.

- Full vendor network. Cleaners, handymen, landscapers, and property managers in the Sedona area — not Phoenix vendors covering Sedona as a side gig.

Self-management training. Post-closing support including setup guidance, dynamic pricing strategy, and connections to the tools and systems our investors use.

How to Find the Right Lender

Sedona properties tend to carry higher price points than many STR markets, and the permit premium means you’re paying for an asset (the permit) that doesn’t show up on a traditional appraisal. You need a lender who understands this.

The Mortgage Shop is our in-house lending partner and specializes exclusively in short term rental loans. They understand how to underwrite Sedona properties accounting for permit scarcity, projected rental income, and DSCR qualification.

Don’t Forget Your Vendors

Sedona is a small market, and the vendor pool is tighter than in larger cities. Establish relationships early:

- Cleaners who know STR turnover standards — there are fewer options in Sedona than in Phoenix, so booking a reliable team matters more

- Handymen and maintenance — response times can be longer in a small market. Have backup vendors.

- Landscaping — desert landscaping with attention to the natural aesthetic Sedona guests expect

- Pool/hot tub maintenance if applicable

- Insurance agents familiar with Sedona-specific considerations

Leslie can connect you with her vetted vendor network at closing.

📞 Contact The Short Term Shop — Sedona

Ready to buy a short term rental in Sedona? Work with the short term rental expert agents who’ve helped over 5,000 investors close more than $3.5 billion in vacation rental properties.

📧 Email: ag****@**************op.com

📞 Call/Text: 800-898-1498

FAQ

Leslie Carbajal with The Short Term Shop is the lead agent for the Sedona market. As an Arizona native and active STR investor, she understands Sedona’s unique permit landscape, which properties carry active transferable permits, and which neighborhoods produce the strongest revenue. The Short Term Shop has helped over 5,000 investors and has been named the number one team worldwide at eXp Realty three times.

Is Sedona a good market for short term rental investing?

Yes — with an important caveat. Sedona has implemented permit restrictions that limit new STR entrants. For investors who acquire an already-permitted property, this scarcity creates a competitive moat: less competition, stronger pricing power, and more consistent occupancy. Median annual STR revenue is approximately $69,000, and top performers significantly exceed that figure.

Does Sedona have a short term rental permit moratorium?

Sedona has implemented limitations on new short term rental permits in certain areas. This means acquiring a property with an active, transferable STR permit is essential for investors. Working with an agent who understands the current permit landscape and can verify permit status before you make an offer is critical.

What is the average short term rental income in Sedona?

Median annual STR revenue in Sedona is approximately $69,000, with top performers exceeding that significantly. Sedona’s permit scarcity, high average daily rates, and year-round tourism demand create favorable conditions for well-positioned properties. Revenue peaks during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when hiking and outdoor conditions are ideal.

Is a property in the City of Sedona or Yavapai County?

The greater Sedona area spans both jurisdictions, and STR rules, permits, and tax obligations may differ between them. This is a critical detail to verify before purchasing. Your agent should confirm exactly which jurisdiction a property falls in and what the specific requirements are.

Can I buy a short term rental in Sedona without an existing permit?

It depends on the current permit availability in the property’s specific area. Due to permit restrictions, some areas may not allow new STR permits. This makes already-permitted properties more valuable and makes working with a knowledgeable local agent essential to avoid purchasing a property you can’t legally rent.

What makes Sedona different from Scottsdale for STR investing?

Scottsdale is a larger market driven by golf, events, and snowbirds with a more investor-friendly regulatory framework. Sedona is a smaller, scarcity-driven market with permit restrictions, higher ADR, and a different guest profile centered around outdoor recreation and wellness tourism. Both are strong markets but require different investment strategies.

Who is the best real estate team for buying a short term rental in Sedona?

The Short Term Shop. Our Arizona agent knows the Sedona market specifically — not as an afterthought to Phoenix or Scottsdale. We’ve helped over 5,000 investors buy short term rentals across 20+ markets and have been named the number one team worldwide at eXp Realty three times.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult a licensed professional before making investment decisions.