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Alexandra Baum

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Heather Neill

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Heather Neill to our Tucson Office.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance clients’ lifestyles, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

Heather Neill, a seasoned real estate professional with over 25 years of experience and a story as dynamic as the markets she’s mastered. Her journey began in the charming community near Gainesville, Florida, where she launched her first brokerage. It didn’t take long for Heather to establish herself as one of the top-selling brokers in the area. “Florida real estate was incredibly rewarding,” Heather recalls, crediting the diverse market with laying a strong foundation for her career.

After conquering Florida, Heather’s path led her to the rolling hills of West Virginia, where she founded another successful brokerage. Known for her innovative approach, she introduced professional photography for every listing and pioneered immersive 3D home tours in the local market—years ahead of the industry curve. “From Day 1,” Heather reflects, “my mission has been to be the best: to serve every client, regardless of their budget, as if they are my only client—providing unparalleled knowledge, exceptional tools, and exquisite marketing.”

Heather’s dedication to excellence is matched by an impressive portfolio of certifications and awards, including the Council of Residential Specialists, Luxury Homes Certification, Military Relocation Professional, and Accredited Buyers Representative designations. Her reputation as a leader in real estate continues to shine.

“Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Tucson Branch is thrilled to welcome Associate Broker Heather Neill to our Team. Heather brings over 25 years of experience and knowledge to assist her Buyers and Sellers.” – Will Rose, Managing Broker

Recently, Heather’s journey brought her to the breathtaking landscapes of Arizona. Seeking collaboration and a brokerage that aligned with her unwavering commitment to excellence, Heather found her perfect match in Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. “What stands out to me about Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is that it’s, without question, the premier real estate brokerage globally,” Heather says with pride. “While our focus often includes luxury properties, every client—at any price point—is treated like royalty. In my 25 years, I’ve never encountered a brokerage that so closely aligns with my vision of excellence.”

Heather blends timeless values like hard work, ethical integrity, and the Golden Rule with cutting-edge technology and industry trends. This balance allows her to deliver a unique and personalized experience to every client. “Becoming part of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is transformative,” she shares. “It’s a chance to tap into an esteemed global network while retaining the entrepreneurial spirit that defines me. Here, I’ve found the perfect blend of collaboration, resources, and values that elevate both my career and my clients’ experiences.”

Now proudly serving Tucson, Oro Valley, Casas Adobes, and Tubac, Heather is excited to help clients discover their dream homes while ensuring the journey is as seamless as it is aspirational. With Heather, your real estate goals are not just a transaction—they’re an opportunity to experience excellence and innovation at its finest.

Uncategorized

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Annabel Firestone

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Annabel Firestone to our Camelback Tower Office.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance clients’ lifestyles, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

As a proud Arizona native, Annabel’s heart has always been in the Valley. After years away, exploring life in different cities and earning a business degree from SMU, she’s returned home with a renewed passion for the vibrant communities that make Arizona truly special. From the scenic landscapes to the dynamic lifestyle, Annabel is thrilled to help others find their place in the state she loves.

Annabel’s journey into real estate is marked by her strong analytical background and commitment to excellence. With her education and a sharp business acumen, she offers clients a unique combination of expertise and dedication. Specializing in premier areas like Gainey Ranch, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley, Annabel focuses on delivering personalized service to meet each client’s unique needs.

Her approach is simple yet impactful: a focus on integrity, attention to detail, and unwavering support throughout the real estate process. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, upgrade to your dream house, or explore the unique lifestyle opportunities of the Valley, Annabel is by your side every step of the way.

For Annabel, real estate is more than a transaction—it’s about helping clients turn their goals into reality and making the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Ready to find your dream home? Let Annabel guide you with her expertise, enthusiasm, and genuine love for Arizona living.

“Annabel is the latest to join forces with Russ Lyon | SIR in what is a recent trend of young entrepreneurs following in their parents footsteps. Having watched her mother at the helm of a successful real estate business, Annabel will certainly benefit from the guidance of her mother, Jacqie Firestone. We are ecstatic to welcome Annabel into our brokerage!” – Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker

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Significant Sales: October 2024

Throughout the state of Arizona, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has been proud to represent and participate in the following sales for October.

We refer to these as ‘Significant Sales.’ While all of our transactions are genuinely significant, we hope you enjoy discovering these unique homes based not only on price but also on their architectural, cultural, and geographical significance, as well as those involved in the journey.

Enjoy!

Seller Representation

5161 W Brackin Ranch Road | Flagstaff
Sold for $2,400,000
Seller Representation: Trina Painter
4615 W Braided Rein | Flagstaff
Sold for $1,450,000
Seller Representation: Shane Randall, Marie France Dagenais
7050 Oakwood Pines Drive | Flagstaff
Sold for $2,100,000
Seller Representation: Trina Painter
6080 East Abineau Canyon Drive | Flagstaff
Sold for $945,000
Seller Representation: Valerie Core & Freddi Paulsrud
3953 E Silo Drive | Gilbert
Sold for $1,020,000
Seller Representation: Chris Tiller
4514 E Desert Park Place | Paradise Valley
Sold for $3,750,000
Seller Representation: Cionne McCarthy
8326 E Wethersfield Road | Scottsdale
Sold for $3,652,000
Seller Representation: Laura Briggs, Dan Wolski, Troy Gillenwater, Jack O’Keefe
11160 E Gold Dust Avenue | Scottsdale
Sold for $2,450,000
Seller Representation: Daid Crozier and Lisa Roberts
23660 North 84th Place | Scottsdale
Sold for $2,200,000
Seller Representation: Debbie Sinagoga, Kris Lacroix
10051 E Horned Owl Trail | Scottsdale
Sold for $2,150,000
Seller Representation: Laura Lucky and Lisa Lucky
4801 N La Lomita | Tucson
Sold for $3,200,000
Seller Representation: Marta Harvey
21350 S Sunset Loop | Willcox
Sold for $1,525,000
Seller Representation: Bill Baffert
6640 N Los Leones Drive | Tucson
Sold for $2,200,000
Seller Representation: Susanne Grogan & Matt Grogan
3560 Chimney Rock Lane | Sedona
Sold for $2,200,000
Seller Representation: Jim and Anne French
460 Foothills South Drive | Sedona
Sold for $1,795,000
Seller Representation: Jeanette Sauer and Ed Pennington
18801 N 94th Avenue | Peoria
Sold for $400,000
Seller Representation: Bobbi Martin & Jeni Lytle
11211 N October Road | Prescott
Sold for $815,000
Seller Representation: Jill Anderson, Linda Wood, & Christopher Wood

Dual Representation

56 W Clay Park Way | Munds Park
Sold for $2,425,000
Dual Representation: Ty VanDyke, Lindsay VanDyke
4524 E Pebble Ridge Road | Paradise Valley
Sold for $3,810,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Grant and Joe
Buyer Representation: Jacqui Firestone
28047 N 96th Place | Scottsdale
Sold for $3,100,000
Dual Representation: Debbie Sinagoga & Kris Lacroix (Dual)
10040 E Happy Valley Road 2006 | Scottsdale
Sold for $3,100,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Nancy Sertich, Dena Bullard, Tim Floor, & Shawn Rimer
Buyer Representation: Allan MacDonald
6439 N Desert Wind Circle | Tucson
Sold for $1,495,000
Dual Representation: Christina Tierney, Frank Lococo, Susanne Grogan, & Matt Grogan
10047 E Scopa Trail | Scottsdale
Sold for $3,900,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Dan Wolski
Buyer Representation: Nancy Bertschy
5381 E Butte Canyon Circle | Cave Creek
Sold for $2,925,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Shawna Perkins & Mark Thomas
Buyer Representation: Barbara Miller
42088 N 108th Place | Scottsdale
Sold for $7,000,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Dan Wolski
Buyer Representation: Paul Perry & Michelle O’Neill
11057 E Distant Hills Drive | Scottsdale
Sold for $5,495,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Dan Wolski
Buyer Representation: James Kolander & Cynthia Kolander
8 Will Rogers Lane | Tubac
Sold for $420,000
Dual Representation: Gary Brasher
170 Mission Road.| Sedona
Sold for $1,488,500 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Katrin Themlitz
Buyer Representation: Ken Robertson & Katirina Van Dezor Buyer

Buyer Representation

  • 9218 N 53rd Place | Paradise Valley
    • Sold for $4,695,000
    • Buyer Representation: Melissa Kalinowski
  • 22866 E Camacho Road | Queen Creek
    • Sold for $1,360,000
    • Buyer Representation: Kim Weber
  • 4565 E Moonlight Way | Paradise Valley
    • Sold for $3,795,000
    • Buyer Representation: Sierra Allegretto
  • 8634 E Overlook Drive 38 | Scottsdale
    • Sold for $2,880,000
    • Buyer Representation: Allan MacDonald
  • 4502 W Hanging Rock Court | Marana
    • Sold for $2,995,000
    • Buyer Representation: Bryan Durkin/Susan Neitzel
  • 11987 E Yearling Road | Scottsdale
    • Sold for $2,728,959
    • Buyer Representation: Colleen Rose-Scurti
  • 8542 E Los Gatos Drive | Scottsdale
    • Sold for $5,800,000
    • Buyer Representation: Kirk Marshall and Keith Marshall
  • 22 Vigas Lane | Rio Rico
    • Sold for $600,000
    • Buyer Representation: Brent Brzuchalski
  • 40 Shadow Circle | Sedona
    • Sold for $2,860,000
    • Buyer Representation: Ken Robertson and Katirina Van Dezon
  • 2793 N Acacia Way | Buckeye
    • Sold for $637,000
    • Buyer Representation: Camden Steele, Julie Warner
  • 1871 E Hampton Ln #107 | Gilbert
    • Sold for $393,500
    • Buyer Representation: Camden Steele
  • 19125 N 92nd Ave | Peoria
    • Sold for $385,000
    • Buyer Representation: Jeni Lytle
First Time Sales

First Time Sales: October 2024

Across the state of Arizona, real estate agents achieve significant milestones in their careers every month. This October, we are proud to have been part of these REALTORS’ first sales as Global Real Estate Advisors with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty!

Enjoy!

18639 E Lark Drive | Queen Creek
Sold for $510,000
Seller Representation: Suzanne Klinkenberg
Co-Agent Kim Weber
10239 N 125th Street | Scottsdale
Sold for $1,050,000
Dual Representation: Susan Houde
Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Frank Aazami Leads Arizona’s Luxury Auction Market with Record-Breaking Sales

Frank Aazami, a leading luxury real estate professional with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, is spearheading the auction market in Arizona through his collaboration with Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions. Two properties in Scottsdale’s prestigious Desert Mountain community were recently sold—The Chiricahua Estate, a Tuscan villa, and a 4.88-acre lot—marking a major milestone. The Chiricahua Estate set a record with 17 bidders, the highest ever for an Arizona auction. These results emphasize Aazami’s expertise in luxury auctions and the growing appeal of Scottsdale’s elite real estate market.

Each auction, including the sale of the Chiricahua Estate, highlights the power of auction marketing to expedite property sales, connecting high-end properties with discerning buyers in record time. The Mediterranean-style Chiricahua Estate, featuring stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and Chiricahua Golf Course, stands as a prime example of the caliber of properties Aazami works with.

The successful auction of both properties, which were marketed for just 44 days, underscores the effectiveness of Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ global platform in driving interest from affluent buyers. Aazami’s partnership with the auction house continues to demonstrate the demand for luxury homes in Scottsdale and the growing role of auction marketing in this exclusive market.

In addition, as part of Sotheby’s Key for Key giving program with Giveback Homes, these sales will contribute to building homes for families in need, adding a philanthropic dimension to Aazami’s auction leadership in Arizona.

Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions: Two Scottsdale, Arizona Estates Pending Sale, One Setting a Historic Bidder Count Record

Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions recently announced that two properties located in the prestigious Desert Mountain community, one an exquisite Tuscan villa known as The Chiricahua Estate, and one a sprawling 4.88-acre lot nestled in Lone Mountain Village area of the development, are separately pending sale for $5.824 million and $459,200 respectively, after just 44 days of auction marketing.

The auction of The Chiricahua Estate also sets a historic record for Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions, attracting the highest number of bidders ever for a single auction in Arizona, with 17 total bidders participating. Each property was offered in cooperation with Frank Aazami of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. 

Located at 42398 North 102nd Street, The Chiricahua Estate is a masterpiece of Mediterranean design by renowned architect James Hann and built by Dugally Oberfeld. The villa features exquisite custom finishes, seamlessly blending with the Sonoran Desert landscape. With its expansive windows and French doors, the estate offers stunning views and a fluid indoor-outdoor living experience. The infinity pool and hot tub provide breathtaking views of the desert and Chiricahua Golf Course, with the primary terrace offering a serene setting for both entertaining and relaxation.

Located in the Lone Mountain Village area of Desert Mountain at 9315 East Aw Tillinghast Road #31, the expansive lot, with its generous 23,194-square-foot building envelope, presents an unparalleled development opportunity and offers panoramic views of mountain ranges, golf courses, and the vibrant desert landscape. It is positioned at the end of a cul-de-sac and provides both privacy and easy access via Carefree Ranch and Pima Road.

“The successful auctions of The Chiricahua Estate and the buildable lot within the Desert Mountain Community illustrates the unique global appeal of luxury real estate within Scottsdale and one of its most prestigious communities,” said Chad Roffers, CEO and co-founder of Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions. “Our platform capitalized on that interest to connect a discerning buyer to each of these opportunities, ensuring both reached their full market potential.” 

“The swift sale of not just one, but two exceptional estates—The Chiricahua Estate and the expansive Lone Mountain Village lot—underscores Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions expert quality of work and the effectiveness of the auction process,” added Aazami. “We are pleased to have worked with Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions once again to introduce these properties to their new owners, and we look forward to more auction opportunities to come soon.”

As part of Concierge Auctions’ Key for Key giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes, the closing will result in funding toward new homes built for families in need.

For more information, visit ConciergeAuctions.com or call 212-202-2940.

Featured Press:

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Tobi Placenti

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Tobi Placenti to our Camelback Tower Office.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance clients’ lifestyles, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

Tobi Placenti is quickly making waves in the Arizona real estate scene as she embarks on her career with the prestigious Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Her passion for helping people find their dream homes, combined with her strong work ethic, positions her as a rising star in residential real estate.

“Tobi just exudes class and sophistication, everything that our brand represents. She’s eager to learn and very much a self starter. We are thrilled to announce her as our latest representation of the Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty Brand!” – Sherri Monteith, Camelback Tower Managing Broker

Originally from Colorado, Tobi moved to Arizona at the age of 17 to attend Arizona State University (ASU) in 1989, funding her own education while embracing the vibrant culture, stunning desert landscapes, and warm climate. It didn’t take long for Arizona to feel like home, and her love for the state only grew over time.

With a deep interest in architecture and design, Tobi has always been drawn to the way homes can be transformed to suit the needs of their owners. Her eye for detail, combined with her natural ability to connect with people, allows her to intuitively understand her clients’ desires and match them with properties that truly reflect their vision.

Before entering real estate, Tobi worked with two major U.S. companies in customer service and sales, where she mastered negotiation skills and learned the importance of fostering long-term relationships. These experiences now serve her well as a dedicated advocate for her clients, ensuring they receive the highest level of service and support during the home buying or selling process.

Joining Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty marks a pivotal moment in Tobi’s career. The brand’s reputation for luxury and excellence aligns perfectly with her values, and she is excited to leverage the firm’s innovative marketing tools and expansive network to deliver exceptional results for her clients.

Tobi’s enthusiasm, fresh perspective, and dedication to continuous learning are invaluable in today’s ever-changing real estate market. She regularly attends workshops and seminars to stay informed on industry trends, ensuring she can offer the best possible advice to her clients.

Beyond her professional life, Tobi is deeply involved in her community. She participates in local charities and events that promote community well-being, further solidifying her commitment to making a positive impact. In her downtime, she enjoys hiking, playing tennis, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends—bringing the same energy and optimism to her personal life as she does to her career.

With her drive and commitment to excellence, Tobi Placenti is poised to become a trusted name in Arizona real estate, dedicated to making her clients’ dreams a reality. Keep an eye on this rising star as she continues to make her mark in the industry.