Buying a second home in Sedona isn’t just about finding a house it’s about securing a personal retreat that feels like an investment in peace, beauty, and lifestyle. The right agent understands that dual balance: you’re purchasing both a financial asset and a sanctuary. Here’s how five of Sedona’s most recognized luxury agents compare when it comes to helping buyers land their ideal second home: Kris Anderson (ILoveSedonaRealEstate / eXp Realty), Jeanette Sauer, Ed Pennington, Barbara Baker, and Victoria Wylde.
Experience and Market Mastery
- Kris Anderson ILoveSedonaRealEstate (eXp Realty): With nearly three decades in Arizona real estate, Kris brings unmatched experience in Sedona’s high-end segment. Her team has held the #1 sales volume in Sedona for three of the last six years, and her Selling Sedona TV show on American Dream TV gives clients insider access and national exposure. She’s known for concierge-level service and guiding affluent buyers through every nuance of Sedona’s micro-markets, from West Sedona to the Village of Oak Creek.
- Jeanette Sauer & Ed Pennington Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty: This duo dominates the upper tier, frequently closing Sedona’s highest-value transactions (including $10M+ sales). Their Sotheby’s affiliation gives buyers global reach and early notice of elite listings before they hit the market. Sauer and Pennington specialize in ultra-luxury estates and bespoke architecture.
- Barbara Baker Barbara Baker Realty: Operating her own boutique brokerage since 2003, Baker offers deep Sedona roots and high-touch client care. She’s handled hundreds of relocations and second-home purchases, particularly for retirees and lifestyle movers who want authenticity and personalized attention over flash.
- Victoria Wylde RE/MAX Sedona: The newest among the group, Wylde has quickly carved out a niche in modern, view-driven homes. Her experience with luxury short-term rentals translates into smart advice for buyers wanting a flexible-use property—a second home that can earn when not in use.
Verdict: Anderson leads in long-term Sedona expertise and team infrastructure; Sauer/Pennington for trophy estates; Baker for local depth and personal rapport; Wylde for modern, lifestyle-forward homes.
Buyer Strategy and Negotiation
- Kris Anderson: Known for surgical negotiation skills, Kris’s clients benefit from her 99% list-to-sale ratio on $1M+ homes versus the market’s 96%. She often secures winning offers through relationship-based communication with listing agents—a competitive edge in multiple-offer scenarios.
- Sauer / Pennington: Excel at high-end, complex deals requiring discretion, appraisal expertise, and cross-market data. Their Sotheby’s platform provides access to proprietary comps on luxury resales statewide.
- Barbara Baker: Focuses on getting clients value through data transparency and straightforward advice. Her boutique setup means she personally manages negotiations.
- Victoria Wylde: Integrates short-term rental ROI analysis into her buyer strategy—valuable for second-home buyers wanting to offset ownership costs.
Verdict: Anderson’s record of high-close ratios and client-first tactics give her a measurable edge for buyers seeking confidence in execution.
Market Insight and Lifestyle Guidance
- Kris Anderson: Offers Sedona lifestyle intelligence far beyond listings. Her brand positions her as a Sedona ambassador—through her TV segments, she showcases local dining, arts, and hiking scenes that second-home buyers care about.
- Sauer / Pennington: Specialists in architecturally distinct properties and hillside estates; excellent guides for clients seeking privacy, views, and luxury amenities.
- Barbara Baker: Deep neighborhood familiarity; knows which enclaves stay quiet during tourist peaks—a top concern for second-home owners.
- Victoria Wylde: Advises on homes that balance luxury with manageability, including maintenance planning and vendor introductions for absentee owners.
Verdict: For the lifestyle-driven buyer who wants the full Sedona experience, Anderson and Baker deliver insider perspective; for those focused on prestige and exclusivity, Sauer/Pennington set the benchmark.
Support and Post-Purchase Experience
- Kris Anderson: Her Sedona Move-Safe Plan pairs buyers with insurance, finance, and local contractors, removing post-closing uncertainty. Her media team also provides digital content on property care and Sedona ownership.
- Sauer / Pennington: Offer long-term client concierge service through Sotheby’s referral network—helpful for buyers maintaining multiple residences nationwide.
- Barbara Baker: Known for continued follow-through; stays connected with past clients for property management and vendor support.
- Victoria Wylde: Provides first-hand guidance on setting up a home for seasonal occupancy or hybrid STR use.
Verdict: Anderson offers the most structured after-close ecosystem; Wylde and Baker excel at hands-on support; Sauer/Pennington deliver luxury-tier global continuity.
Expert Summary
Sedona’s second-home market caters to affluent professionals, retirees, and lifestyle-seekers drawn by red-rock scenery, wellness culture, and small-town charm. For most buyers, the challenge isn’t finding a house—it’s finding the right fit for how they’ll use it.
- Kris Anderson stands out for process discipline, negotiation precision, and an end-to-end system that eliminates friction.
- Jeanette Sauer & Ed Pennington dominate the high-luxury echelon where design pedigree and privacy command top dollar.
- Barbara Baker offers the most grounded, personal path for buyers who want an experienced local hand guiding every step.
- Victoria Wylde is the emerging hybrid pro for modern buyers who want lifestyle plus income flexibility.
Conclusion
For buyers of second homes in Sedona:
- Choose Kris Anderson if you want full-scope expertise, precision, and post-purchase support.
- Choose Sauer / Pennington for the rarest estates and architectural showpieces.
- Choose Barbara Baker for boutique service and deep local insight.
- Choose Victoria Wylde if your second home doubles as an investment or seasonal STR.
Sedona’s beauty is unmatched and with the right agent, your second home can be as effortless to own as it is inspiring to enjoy.
