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Alexandra Baum

First Time Sales

First Time Sales: September 2025

Across the state of Arizona, real estate agents achieve significant milestones in their careers every month. This September, 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!

5010 N Via De La Granja | Tucson
Sold for $1,316,340
Buyer Representation: Erica Sarnoff
1st sale & got the buyer’s listing
8806 192nd Ave | Waddell
Sold for $750,000
Buyer Representation: Chris York
799 Crown Ridge Road | Sedona
Sold for $1,474,500
Seller Representation: Debra Harkins
1st Sale / Co-Agents Jeanette Sauer & Ed Pennington
4950 N Miller Road #200 | Scottsdale
Sold for $342,000
Buyer Representation: Daniel Lombard
1st Sale
1377 W Park Avenue | Gilbert
Sold for $630,500
Buyer Representation: Michelle Cross
1st Sale / Total 2 Closings in September
155 Goodrow Lane | Sedona
Sold for $735,000
Seller Representation: Heather Malloy
1st Sale / Total 2 Closings in September
Uncategorized

In the News: September 2025

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty continued to shine this September, with widespread media recognition for groundbreaking sales and iconic listings. As always, our agents remain front and center in elevating the Arizona luxury market.


Discover this month’s standout press:

Extraordinary Property of the Week

Extraordinary Property of the Week: 21620 W Buckwheat Lane

Set atop a ridge in the prestigious Desert Mountain community, 42690 N 98th Place is a secluded Desert Ranch Contemporary estate offering a rare combination of architectural brilliance, resort-style amenities, and the coveted Golf Membership opportunity. Perched on nearly 15 private acres, this exceptional home was strategically positioned in a linear fashion to embrace unobstructed southern exposure and deliver breathtaking Mountain, Valley, and City Light views from every room.

Crafted with artistic precision, this estate is a testament to unparalleled design and craftsmanship. Originally envisioned by renowned architect Terry Kilbane and later reimagined by architect and builder Justin Kilbane, the residence features a harmonious blend of custom copper, wood, stone, and glass elements that speak to its natural surroundings while elevating the experience of luxury living.

At the heart of the home, expansive entertaining spaces flow effortlessly through walls of glass to outdoor terraces, where the showstopping piano-shaped pool with a keyboard sun shelf and spa bench becomes a sculptural centerpiece against panoramic desert vistas. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or grand celebration, every moment is set against a backdrop of awe-inspiring beauty.

Inside, the residence unveils a curated selection of luxury living spaces:

  • A fitness room complete with private sauna
  • A spacious executive office with inspiring views
  • A dramatic media room ideal for cinematic experiences
  • A custom wine wall, wet bar, and inviting lounge areas for effortless entertaining
  • A 5-car air-conditioned garage, combining utility with showroom-quality style

Design elements include hand-carved custom entry doors, copper hearths, indigenous stone walls, artisan wood ceilings, and architectural lighting that transform each room into an experience. The interiors are designed to complement, not compete with, the surrounding landscape—offering serenity, texture, and natural light throughout.

And while privacy is paramount, this property also provides seamless access to the world-class lifestyle that Desert Mountain is known for—including seven championship golf courses, nine restaurants, a spa and fitness center, pickleball and tennis courts, and over 20 miles of private hiking trails.

42690 N 98th Place is more than a home—it is a once-in-a-generation estate offering luxury, privacy, artistry, and a place within one of Scottsdale’s most exclusive communities. With a Golf Membership available, this is an opportunity to own a property that truly has it all.

Interested in making 42690 N 98th Place your legacy estate in Desert

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Valantina Nissan

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 Valantina Nissan to our Camelback Tower Office.

No matter the real estate dream, Valantina Nissan and her team have the expertise, dedication, and drive to make it a reality. As an Associate Broker and seasoned real estate investor, Valantina has built a powerhouse real estate team alongside her husband, Aiman Hesswany.

With backgrounds spanning engineering, interior design, and global banking, Valantina and Aiman bring a unique combination of technical knowledge, financial insight, and strategic planning to every transaction. Their ability to speak three languages—Assyrian, Aramaic, and Arabic—combined with international experience provides a sharp edge in negotiations and investment strategies.

Their strong community presence, multiple real estate awards, and a large social media following ensure maximum exposure and outstanding results for their clients. Beyond traditional real estate expertise, their hands-on experience in fix-and-flip projects allows them to offer practical market insights and strategic investment guidance. Paired with in-depth knowledge of design and financing, the team delivers a truly holistic approach to property decisions.

Valantina and her team are committed to exceeding expectations, creating personalized strategies, and guiding clients with professionalism and integrity every step of the way. Their goal is simple: to transform real estate aspirations into reality with dedication and exceptional results.

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Whitney James

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 Whitney James to our Pinnacle Peak Office.

Whitney James is a global real estate advisor and the founder of Altara Advisory, proudly affiliated with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. With a background as a retired physician, Whitney brings a rare blend of meticulous attention to detail, discretion, and a profound care for people to every client relationship. Her practice is rooted in trust, confidentiality, and the highest standard of service.

Specializing in legacy properties and legacy planning, Whitney views every transaction as an opportunity to help clients preserve wealth, create generational impact, and craft iconic lives in iconic homes. She integrates financial strategy into each step of the real estate process, ensuring clients benefit from both market insight and long-term vision. Supported by a team of experts in finance, health, and global real estate, she provides her clients with comprehensive guidance locally and abroad. A native Arizonan who has lived across the world, Whitney has returned home to serve clients in Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and beyond. Her personal life is deeply rooted in family and faith—she is a devoted wife, the mother of two boys, and a firm believer in the preservation of humanity and the goodness of people.

Whitney is dedicated to refining the art of luxury living every day, curating an unparalleled experience marked by excellence, integrity, professionalism, and research-driven strategy. Through her affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty—“Curators of the Unique since 1744”—Whitney collaborates across 83 countries and territories, contributing to over $143 billion in global sales volume.

With an unwavering commitment to discretion, service, and strategy, Whitney James stands as a trusted advisor for those seeking more than a property—she helps clients design a lasting legacy.

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Aiman Hesswany

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 Aiman Hesswany to our Camelback Tower Office.

No matter the real estate goals or dreams, Aiman Hesswany and his team have the expertise, dedication, and drive to make them a reality. As a Global Real Estate Advisor and seasoned real estate investor, Aiman has built a powerhouse team alongside his spouse, Valantina Nissan. Together, they bring a rare combination of experience, insight, and passion to every transaction.

What sets Aiman and Valantina apart is their diverse professional backgrounds. With roots in engineering, interior design, and extensive global banking experience, they offer clients a unique blend of technical expertise, financial acumen, and strategic planning. This fusion of skills ensures that every real estate decision is approached with precision, creativity, and long-term vision.

Beyond their professional credentials, Aiman and Valantina’s hands-on experience as real estate investors—including multiple fix-and-flip projects—gives them a practical edge. They understand the market from the inside out and provide clients with real-world investment insights and design-forward guidance. Their in-depth knowledge of financing and property transformation allows for a holistic approach to real estate, whether clients are buying, selling, or investing.

At the heart of their work is a commitment to excellence. Aiman and Valantina pride themselves on delivering personalized strategies, exceeding expectations, and guiding clients with professionalism and integrity. For them, real estate is more than transactions—it’s about helping people achieve their goals and turn dreams into tangible results.

Extraordinary Property of the Week

Extraordinary Property of the Week: 1720 W Cessna Way

Soaring above the ordinary, 1720 W Cessna Way is a one-of-a-kind offering in the prestigious La Cholla Airpark—a 7.23-acre fly-in estate that invites you to embrace a lifestyle of freedom, functionality, and refined desert living. Whether you’re a pilot, horse enthusiast, car collector, or someone seeking space, privacy, and possibility, this property delivers an unmatched experience for those who live life without limits.

Enter through a long, gated driveway framed by a striking timber entryway and discover not just a home—but an estate. Two separately renovated residences offer exceptional flexibility for luxurious daily living, multi-generational needs, guest accommodations, or integrated workspace. The main home, a reimagined burnt adobe ranch-style residence, has been thoughtfully modernized with an open floor plan and abundant natural light streaming through new metal-clad windows and doors. Panoramic views of the Tortolita Mountains and Pusch Ridge frame nearly every room. The chef’s kitchen features a waterfall granite peninsula, custom cabinetry, new appliances, a butler’s pantry, and beautifully curated fixtures. The interiors are polished with ceramic tile floors throughout, extensive decorative tilework, and stylishly updated bathrooms. A cozy family room with gas fireplace opens to the kitchen for easy entertaining, while the north and south patios offer covered, shaded outdoor living with unobstructed views. Attached is a 2-car garage with generous built-in storage and a large storage room.

Just steps away, the second residence—once a fully functional aircraft hangar—has been transformed into a sophisticated and versatile living space, complete with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two offices, a new kitchen, a laundry room, and two additional garage bays. This structure can continue serving as a guest house or executive retreat, or be converted back into an aircraft hangar—original hangar doors convey—ready for your personal plane or custom automotive collection. Whether you envision a private workspace, creative studio, or a functional aviation hub, the possibilities are endless.

For aviation enthusiasts, the true luxury is the direct access to La Cholla’s 4,500-foot paved and lighted private runway—offering the freedom to take off and land right from your backyard. This is a rare opportunity for true fly-in, fly-out living with no compromises on comfort or style.

The expansive lot allows room for equestrian amenities as well, with space to add stables, arenas, turnout areas, and ample trailer and RV parking. The well-designed site supports large-scale storage and development, whether for horses, hobbies, or additional building.

Beyond the property lines, this home is ideally located in Oro Valley, recently ranked the “Safest and Wealthiest Retirement Community” in the country by GoBankingRates.com. Just minutes away are world-class recreational destinations like Catalina State Park, the Stone Canyon Club—ranked among Golf Digest’s Top 100 U.S. courses—and The Clubs at Dove Mountain, including The Gallery and Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Tennis and pickleball courts, fitness facilities, fine dining, and boutique shopping are woven throughout the area, enhanced by Arizona’s year-round beauty.

1720 W Cessna Way is more than a property—it’s a lifestyle destination where aviation, equestrian freedom, and sophisticated desert living converge. With versatile structures, sweeping views, and direct runway access, this is a home for those who dream beyond the horizon.

Interested in making 1720 W Cessna Way your personal airpark retreat?

Extraordinary Property of the Week

Extraordinary Property of the Week: 22619 N La Senda Drive

Introducing La Senda Hacienda, where bespoke European craftsmanship converges with the relaxed elegance of North Scottsdale’s premier country club lifestyle. This Santa Barbara and Mediterranean-inspired estate has been masterfully transformed through a no-expense-spared, two-year architectural rebuild—a complete reinvention of the original residence, executed with precision and passion from the block walls in.

Set on a rare 0.6-acre peninsula lot in the sought-after PPCC Estates, this home stands completely independent, with no direct adjacent neighbors—delivering an extraordinary sense of privacy and serenity. The location is both scenic and strategic: flanked by three golf fairways and greens, yet buffered for blissful quiet, free from early-morning maintenance, errant golf balls, or backyard spectators. Here, your outdoor living experience is yours alone.

From the moment you arrive, the residence makes a statement. A dramatic, newly expanded entry welcomes you with elegance and scale. Inside, all-steel windows and doors flood the space with natural light, while herringbone floors, handmade Zellige tiles, and Waterworks plumbing fixtures elevate every room. The Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, framed by fully custom Goodall cabinetry, are enhanced by SapienStone surfaces imported from Castellarano, Italy—all centered around a show-stopping kitchen island ready for culinary creations, cocktails, or curated content.

The residence features expanded square footage, including an additional bedroom, multiple new bathrooms, a dedicated laundry room, and a pantry of enviable proportions. Century-old Belgian antique doors add character and depth, thoughtfully integrated into the home’s key living spaces.

Unoccupied since completion, every surface of this home is untouched—ready for its first owner to enjoy the finest craftsmanship and finishes, many rarely seen at this price point.

Outdoors, the resort-style landscape is a curated masterpiece. A sculptural ancient Foothills Palo Verde tree presides over a private sanctuary that includes a new pool and spa, limestone patios, structured gardens, a fireplace, and a pétanque/bocce court adjacent to the grilling area. Whether entertaining guests or enjoying quiet moments, the space invites connection, beauty, and calm.

Technology meets tradition with smart home controls for lighting, HVAC, pool/spa, and irrigation—all powered by Wi-Fi to ensure effortless ease of living.

La Senda Hacienda is not just a home—it is a one-of-a-kind expression of European artistry, modern functionality, and North Scottsdale sophistication. A home for those who appreciate detail, privacy, and presence.

Interested in making 22619 N La Senda Drive your own private retreat in the PPCC Estates?

Uncategorized

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Shines in Phoenix Business Journal’s 2025 Rankings

Each year, the Phoenix Business Journal releases its highly anticipated list of the Valley’s top-performing residential real estate agents—those whose dedication, expertise, and market mastery have set them apart in Arizona’s dynamic luxury market. The 2025 rankings are here, and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is once again proudly represented by a powerful group of elite agents who exemplify the company’s standard of excellence.

From record-setting sales to unrivaled client service, these agents continue to elevate the luxury real estate landscape across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Desert Mountain, and beyond.


Top-Performing Russ Lyon Sotheby’s Agents Recognized in 2025

The 2025 list features several Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents among the top 75 residential real estate professionals in the Phoenix metro area. Their achievements reflect not only individual success but the collective strength of the brokerage’s culture, marketing power, and global reach.

Dan Wolski – #5 Rank

$151.14 million in 2024 sales volume
Based out of Desert Mountain, Dan Wolski continues to be a dominant force in North Scottsdale luxury real estate. With 64 transaction sides and a highest-priced sale of $7.8 million, Wolski’s performance underscores his deep expertise in exclusive golf-course and resort-style communities.

Allan MacDonald – #12 Rank

$71.8 million in 2024 sales volume
From the Camelback office, Allan MacDonald once again earns his place among the Valley’s top agents. His year included a standout $11.72 million sale—an impressive representation of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s leadership in marquee luxury markets.

Lisa Roberts – #14 Rank

$69.66 million in 2024 sales
A leading name in Scottsdale luxury real estate, Roberts closed 53 sides and showcased remarkable consistency across the entire year. Her highest sale of $4.8 million highlights her strength in both volume and quality of transactions.

Cheryl D’Anna – #18 Rank

$60.1 million in 2024 sales
An expert in Desert Mountain’s luxury lifestyle offerings, D’Anna delivered a strong year marked by 19 transactions and a highest sale of $7.7 million. Her continued presence in the rankings reflects both market knowledge and client trust.

Patrick Rice – #21 Rank

$55.51 million in 2024 sales
Rice’s work within Desert Mountain and Scottsdale’s northern luxury enclaves continues to stand out. His top sale of $5.7 million further demonstrates the confidence high-end buyers and sellers place in his expertise.

Jennifer Schumacher – #29 Rank

$45.41 million in 2024 sales
With 45 successful transaction sides, Schumacher blends impressive volume with high-end representation, closing deals up to $3.66 million. Her performance underscores her strength across multiple luxury segments.

Josie Pakula – #31 Rank

$43.96 million in 2024 sales
Based in the Pinnacle Peak office, Pakula’s year included 38 transaction sides and a highest sale of $5.15 million. She continues to be a valued resource for clients seeking elevated representation in North Scottsdale.

Lonnie Lopez – #34 Rank

$41.35 million in 2024 sales
Lopez delivered another exceptional year with nearly $41.5 million in volume and a top sale of $7.5 million—solidifying his standing in Scottsdale’s competitive luxury market.

Barry Conser – #37 Rank

$39.83 million in 2024 sales
A seasoned Desert Mountain expert, Conser achieved 14 transactions with a highest sale of $7.5 million. His niche expertise continues to position him as a go-to agent for discerning buyers in premier golf communities.

Cionne McCarthy – #43 Rank

$37.26 million in 2024 sales
McCarthy shines with strong performance in Scottsdale’s central luxury corridor. Her top sale of $11 million demonstrates her reach at the uppermost end of the market.

Johnathon De Young – #45 Rank

$36.21 million in 2024 sales
De Young delivered an impactful year with 17 transaction sides and a highest sale of $9 million, further cementing his reputation in Scottsdale’s premium neighborhoods.

Alan Surges – #57 Rank

$32.79 million in 2024 sales
Representing Desert Mountain, Surges continues to perform among the top luxury agents, with a high sale of $7.8 million.

Karen DeGeorge – #66 Rank

$31.17 million in 2024 sales
DeGeorge’s strong production includes 33 transaction sides and a highest sale of $5.26 million. Her results reflect both skill and consistency across Scottsdale communities.


Russ Lyon Sotheby’s: A Brokerage That Elevates Excellence

The presence of so many Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents on this prestigious list is no coincidence. It speaks to:

  • A culture of professionalism and high standards
  • Unmatched marketing powered by a global luxury network
  • Collaborative leadership and world-class resources
  • Unparalleled client service and local expertise

From Desert Mountain to Paradise Valley, from Silverleaf to Camelback, Russ Lyon agents are shaping the future of Arizona luxury real estate—and setting new benchmarks year after year.


Celebrating the Agents Who Define Luxury

These rankings honor more than production numbers—they highlight commitment, excellence, and the trust clients place in Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Congratulations to every agent recognized for their extraordinary achievements.

Their success continues to elevate not only the company but the entire Arizona luxury marketplace.