Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Celebrates the Success of Its Global Real Estate Advisors Who Are Servicing Clients From Around the World! 

 Over the last several years, international home buying has declined sharply in all markets except large luxury homes. Arizona’s leading luxury real estate brokerage Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is recognizing the success of its Global Real Estate Advisors; agents who have excelled at connecting foreign buyers and sellers for the state’s most impressive properties and in the process embodying the efforts of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s as a true international company. These agents expertise in understanding clients’ needs and desires when looking for luxury homes makes them the top pick for guiding international buyers and sellers. 

Frank Aazami is dedicated to delivering the quality experience that luxury home buyers expect and require. Aazami has spent decades securing trustworthy relationships with top brokers in international markets. He routinely pulls on  connections with multiple local experts for any given area, gaining a deep understanding of clients’ needs and the market. His care and precision when delivering service ensure a customized approach that buyers can trust. 

“For decades, I have compiled contacts from the top performers in all markets,” said Aazami. “These global relations have united so many foreign referrals. Technology has made these referrals even easier. Our website can be viewed in multiple languages and utilized to connect with these buyers and sellers; one click does it all.” 

Depending on what climate, amenities and price point clients are looking for, Aazami can find the perfect home for them. Scottsdale and its neighbors are the most popular areas for his premium clients. The expansion of the Valley into one giant metropolitan city attracts many looking to buy homes for the quality of life, affordability and value. With superior knowledge of the market, international clients can rely on Aazami when looking for their local dream home.

For years, Chris Tiller has worked with international buyers from all regions of India, South Korea, China, the Philippines, Thailand and Japan. His secret? Understanding the cultural differences that make foreign buyers interested in the USA and the nuanced distinctions between foreign and local buyers. 

All of Tiller’s clients desire similar things, housing near their employment, good schools, clean, safe, easy commutes and near entertainment. Some differences make international buyers seek out luxury in the United States. Stability and security surrounding property rights are very attractive to clients seeking luxury homes in local markets. Learning to meet international clients where they are socially and culturally ensures Tiller always delivers a quality experience that brings more business through referrals and community connections. 

“The process from start to finish will never change,” said Tiller. “Understand cultural differences, give unparalleled service, be professional, listen to needs and be available. My template for meeting customer needs and communication is immovable, providing consistency in the buyer experience. The market landscape and clients’ preferences will always change, but my process allows for individualized experiences without sacrificing outcomes.” 

Tiller recommends the book “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands” by Terri Morrison as a great introduction to navigating etiquette and cultural differences in business. Further development of these basic skills is key to succeeding in a global marketplace. 

Wendy Mackenzie a Canadian who relocated to Arizona, has helped many buyers and sellers find their new homes in Arizona and back in Canada. Many of her clients are referrals, but as a world traveler, she also meets potential buyers while abroad in Mexico, Canada, or England. 

Mackenzie’s buyers, who have already visited Arizona are often interested in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale/North Scottsdale, Chandler and Gilbert. Amenities, proximity to work, good schools, an indoor/outdoor lifestyle and multiple entertaining spaces attract international and local buyers. Some want to build their dream home, others want move-in ready homes. 

“The top draw is the lifestyle, privacy and cost of living,” said Mackenzie. “Most buyers I have worked with are surprised at our low taxes, the beautiful homes that can be purchased at a fraction of the cost of their home country and quality of life with resort style living, and indoor and outdoor living. Waking up to bright blue skies is a huge draw.” 

As a Canadian who moved to Arizona, Mackenzie leverages her personal experience to aid clients. Not knowing any agents or having an idea of where they wanted to buy, Mackenzie toured as many places as possible, went to open houses and had lots of restaurant meetings. She advises her foreign clients to do the same, touring as 

Adam Abboud knows the luxury market, making connections with foreign buyers and sellers online, participating in international real estate portals and leveraging social media to showcase properties. His past buyers often give him referrals highlighting Arizona’s combination of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and favorable amenities attracting family and friends to buy local properties. Arizona’s favorable climate, diverse recreational opportunities, and proximity to major cities make it an attractive destination for those seeking a second home or investment property, especially in Paradise Valley. 

“99-percent of the time, my buyers are specifically looking to live in Paradise Valley,” said Abboud. “Steady rising prices, new construction availability and proximity to Scottsdale private airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor are the biggest draws. Another draw for international buyers is Paradise Valley’s unique landscapes. There truly is an option for anyone, whether you want lush greenery, city lights or desert landscapes. Every international buyer I’ve worked with demands a view of the iconic Camelback Mountain.” 

Abboud cites the exclusivity and prestige associated with owning a spacious and luxurious property is another reason foreigners buy luxury homes. Owning a prestigious property in the United States is often seen as a symbol of success and achievement. Extensive amenities such as private pools, expansive landscapes, state-of-the-art security systems, private gyms, wellness studios and ultra high-end finishes enchant international buyers. Additionally, large luxury properties provide ample space for entertaining, hosting guests, and accommodating extended family. The majesty of Arizona’s natural beauty only accentuates the luxury. Stunning desert scenery, majestic mountains, and picturesque canyons offer a sense of tranquility and serenity that resonates with buyers seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Abboud often hears international buyers forget they are even in Arizona, surrounded by natural wonders, it is a unique place to live. 

Michelle Kalina is licensed to sell homes in Arizona and Minnesota where her connections to the Mayo Clinic have made her an indispensable aid to foreign physicians. A certified relocation specialist, Kalina has built connections and learned the territory of international home buying over 23 years of association with the Mayo Clinic and their recruitment office. Assisting by providing community tours around the Phoenix and Scottsdale Shea campuses, she connects with its diverse medical staff, including international doctors from around the world. 

The support and a strong sense of community the Mayo Clinic provides when relocating lead many physicians to seek luxury housing close to campus. This proximity is crucial as many physicians are on call and need to be within a certain distance from the clinic campus. Kalina’s years of experience helping international buyers navigate purchasing and connecting with lenders familiar with international buyers. She has developed an eye for finding properties close to the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Minnesota clinic campuses that will provide the perfect mix of proximity and amenities for her clients. 

“Luxury properties in the United States offer more space and amenities compared to what is available in my client’s home countries,” said Kalina. “The allure of expansive properties, high-end finishes, and a higher quality of life at a relatively lower cost compared to other global cities make these properties very attractive to international buyers.” 

Specializing in luxury properties in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix and Arcadia, Roseann Dunteman is a property matchmaker, an expert at matching buyers with their perfect luxury home. International buyers reach out to her, making contact through open houses, social media and other contact methods due to her expertise with luxury housing in the Valley. Through her years of managing foreign clients, she has learned the intricacies of the market and draws that bring buyers to Phoenix. 

“Sophisticated buyers appreciate interesting architecture, quality craftsmanship and high-end finishes,” said Dunteman. “One of my buyers expressed love for the spirit of the “wild west,” progressive attitudes for business, and proximity to luxury lifestyle amenities Phoenix is known for. These are the desires I’ve learned to anticipate when finding an individual’s perfect match.” 

Dunteman’s latest client desired a luxury home in an exclusive area convenient travel to Sky Harbor Airport. Many international buyers are also international travelers, splitting time between homes in Arizona, other states and their home countries. Dunteman’s expertise for homes in Paradise Valley, known for the large lot sizes and privacy along with a short travel time to Sky Harbor was key in meeting their needs. Finding a beautiful landscape, luxury amenities and an expansive garage for the buyer’s car collection made the home the perfect match they had been looking for. 

Thalia Kyriakis has worked with international buyers for the past 18 years, helping clientele from Mexico looking to buy second homes in Arizona. Growing up in a border town between Sonora, Mexico, and Arizona, Kyriakis, who has Greek and Lebanese ancestry, developed lifelong relationships with friends, family, and acquaintances in both regions. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she has built a solid foundation of trust and loyalty with her clients leading to repeat business and referrals, especially with clients that prefer speaking their native language. 

Most of Kyriakis’ clients seek large luxury properties as second homes in Tucson, Scottsdale, or parts of California. These buyers are attracted to cities that offer exceptional vacation experiences, top-tier shopping, and access to high-quality medical care. Additionally, many of clients choose these locations to support their children’s education, particularly at institutions like the University of Arizona. Overall international clients come seeking and an enhanced lifestyle. 

With over 18 years of experience in the luxury home market, Kyriakis has seen the changes in international clients’ desires when shopping for homes. “The core desires of international buyers have remained relatively consistent,” said Kyriakis. “There has been a noticeable increase in buyers looking to permanently relocate to the United States. It has been interesting to observe how the influx of international buyers fluctuates in response to political changes in their home countries. It is important to recognize global trends to understand the evolving needs and motivations of international clients.” 

Jennifer Parks-Sturgeon | Writer