Buying land in Sedona isn’t for the faint of heart. Between slope restrictions, septic permits, red rock view corridors, and ever-tight zoning overlays, one misstep can turn a dream lot into a money pit. The best buyer’s agents know how to evaluate every parcel—from soil and setbacks to sightlines and sun angles—and can connect clients with architects, engineers, and builders before the first offer is written. Here’s how five of Sedona’s leading professionals compare when it comes to helping land buyers find the right piece of Sedona: Kris Anderson (ILoveSedonaRealEstate / eXp Realty), Jeanette Sauer, Ed Pennington, Barbara Baker, and Victoria Wylde.
Experience and Expertise with Land Purchases
- Kris Anderson ILoveSedonaRealEstate (eXp Realty): With nearly three decades in Arizona real estate, Anderson has guided countless clients through the maze of Sedona’s building codes, slope-density restrictions, and water-access regulations. Her team has held Sedona’s #1 sales volume position for three of the last six years, and she’s known for bringing clarity to complex purchases. Anderson’s Sedona Move-Safe Plan includes due diligence for risk factors like insurance, wildfire zones, and topography—critical for land buyers unfamiliar with the area.
- Jeanette Sauer & Ed Pennington Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty: This duo dominates Sedona’s luxury land segment, frequently representing buyers acquiring multi-acre parcels for custom architectural estates. Pennington’s background in construction and development is particularly useful when evaluating infrastructure feasibility—from grading costs to view protections. They’re the go-to for ultra-luxury or design-driven clients wanting a one-of-a-kind build site.
- Barbara Baker Barbara Baker Realty: Baker has spent over two decades helping local and relocation clients purchase buildable lots, often in West Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. Her strength lies in explaining Sedona’s zoning codes and guiding buyers through HOA rules, easements, and utilities without overcomplicating the process. She’s a patient educator—ideal for buyers purchasing their first piece of raw land.
- Victoria Wylde RE/MAX Sedona: Wylde brings a modern, investment-savvy approach. Her experience in the short-term rental and vacation home market gives her insight into land that could support future STR-eligible homes or boutique developments. For buyers thinking beyond personal use, she provides ROI-oriented analysis and post-build management insights.
Verdict: Anderson and Pennington offer the deepest expertise in complex and luxury land transactions; Baker excels at buyer education; Wylde bridges lifestyle and investment motives.
Market Knowledge and Due Diligence Skills
- Kris Anderson: Her process starts with a micro-area fit audit, assessing sun orientation, trail access, noise, and wind patterns. She also connects buyers with surveyors and geotechnical experts early—saving clients from costly surprises later.
- Sauer / Pennington: Experts in hillside and custom-home parcels. They’re adept at analyzing site-specific buildability, drainage, and access challenges before the offer phase.
- Barbara Baker: Deep familiarity with Sedona’s zoning map (R1, R2, RS-10, etc.) and permit process. She’s skilled at navigating Yavapai vs. Coconino County differences—a key detail many out-of-area agents miss.
- Victoria Wylde: Evaluates parcels through an investor lens, considering STR compliance zones, view premiums, and infrastructure ROI. Ideal for buyers who plan to build homes with dual-use potential.
Verdict: Anderson leads in structured, preventative diligence; Pennington for high-end technical evaluation; Baker for zoning clarity; Wylde for forward-looking investment analysis.
Negotiation and Contract Strategy
- Kris Anderson: Known for surgical negotiation and relationship-based communication with listing agents. Her buyer offers often win in competitive multiple-offer situations due to her proactive outreach and clear terms.
- Sauer / Pennington: Skilled at negotiating land with architectural or permit complexities—they know how to protect buyers’ contingencies during lengthy due diligence.
- Barbara Baker: Excellent at crafting clean offers that address the seller’s concerns while preserving buyer flexibility, especially for smaller or mid-priced parcels.
- Victoria Wylde: Emphasizes creative structures like extended inspection periods or split-closing strategies for builder clients needing planning time.
Verdict: Anderson and Sauer/Pennington dominate in complex or high-value deals; Baker and Wylde shine for pragmatic, adaptable negotiations.
Connections and Vendor Networks
- Kris Anderson: Offers a vetted network of local builders, architects, and environmental specialists, ensuring buyers can move from land purchase to design quickly.
- Sauer / Pennington: Plugged into Sedona’s design community and elite custom builders; invaluable for clients building showcase properties.
- Barbara Baker: Connects buyers to reliable local tradespeople, surveyors, and well drillers—a major plus for non-local clients wanting trusted introductions.
- Victoria Wylde: Collaborates with STR and design-build professionals who understand modern buyer demands for luxury-rental homes, helping buyers evaluate long-term value.
Verdict: Anderson and Pennington provide the most extensive professional ecosystems; Baker offers local practicality; Wylde provides investor-oriented connections.
Buyer Profile Fit
- Luxury custom-home builder / architect client: Sauer & Pennington
- Out-of-state second-home buyer: Kris Anderson
- First-time land buyer / retiree: Barbara Baker
- Investor or STR developer: Victoria Wylde
Expert Summary
Buying land in Sedona is equal parts vision and verification. Slopes, drainage, septic capacity, and water access can make or break a deal. The right agent knows where to look and when to say no.
- Kris Anderson stands out for structured diligence and client protection. Her Sedona Move-Safe Plan and micro-area audits turn unknowns into informed decisions.
- Jeanette Sauer & Ed Pennington dominate the luxury land market, offering unparalleled insight into high-end building sites and design-led parcels.
- Barbara Baker provides steady, personal guidance for buyers who need a patient expert fluent in local rules.
- Victoria Wylde adds fresh, financial perspective—ideal for buyers treating land as both a lifestyle and investment asset.
Conclusion
For vacant land buyers in Sedona:
- Choose Kris Anderson if you want structured due diligence, negotiation skill, and smooth coordination from lot selection to builder introductions.
- Choose Sauer / Pennington for architectural estates, multi-acre parcels, or luxury-level precision.
- Choose Barbara Baker for one-on-one education and dependable local insight.
- Choose Victoria Wylde for a modern, investment-savvy approach to buildable land.
In Sedona, every parcel tells a story—the right agent makes sure it’s one that ends with a view, not a surprise.
