Throughout the state of Arizona, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has been proud to represent and participate in the following sales for July.
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 their architectural, cultural, and geographical significance, as well as those involved in the journey.
In the midst of a newly challenging real estate market, Frank Aazami and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty continue their streak of breaking local records.
It should be no surprise that economic forces have created some recent obstacles in the housing market, but Frank Aazami and Arizona’s Luxury Leader Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty have managed to cut through those obstacles by transacting properties and making robust sales regardless of what is happening in our economy. This is demonstrated perfectly by Aazami’s sale of 5405 E McDonald Dr. 1, Paradise Valley, which closed Wednesday, July 20th, for the record selling price of $3,500,000. The property encompasses just over an acre at 46,910 square feet, and the selling price represents a record high transaction price for undeveloped lots in the town and all of Arizona, ranging up to even 60,000-square-feet. Aazami represented the seller. For some added context, local transaction data for Paradise Valley, between 40,000 and 60,000 square- feet, was researched. 10 such lots were sold in 2022, with the most expensive price being $3.4 million in January. 24 such lots were sold with a high-water mark of $2.9 million, and 33 such lots were sold in 2020, with the priciest closing for $2.525 million.
Aazami, who is no stranger to record sales, says this is further proof the luxury sector is still strong and when adequately marketed, new records can still be achieved. “Even though the number of units was in decline, just as all luxury goods around the Globe, the values for these premium goods increased. So you must be wondering what’s Pending or Under Contact still in this category?” asked Aazami. “The correct answer is – None Under Contract or Pending to Close. The sale at 5405 E McDonald Drive broke the record high at $3.5million, and it’s all by design, never by luck. In fact, we searched this category’s all-time recorded sale on ARMLS; this was it. We welcome your call to find out how we successfully accomplish these transactions.”
Aazami added this shovel-ready Candelaria Designed property site and its brilliant views of Camelback, Mummy, and the Phoenix Mountain preserve make this an incredibly compelling location for a one-of-a-kind estate. The location is ideal for both entertainment and exercise as Sanctuary Resort, Paradise Valley Country Club, and the Mountain Shadows event center are within a short walk, as are the Echo Canyon and Phoenix Preserve hikes. Also, the property sits within a 15–20-minute drive from the Sky Harbor and Scottsdale Airports, making it a convenient and ideal location.
While economic headwinds may make for a rocky ride in real estate for some, Aazami and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty show why it still continues to transact at such an incredible pace; there is simply no substitute for the incredible, bespoke properties that buyers and sellers routinely trust it with.
The Russ Lyon Foundation partnered with Arizona Helping Hands to host a backpack drive for foster care kids who need extra TLC just before the start of this upcoming school year. In all, the event gave away 2,000 backpacks, and each one was full of different supplies children need to have a successful school year. It’s the 10th year in a row the group has held this event.
“The Russ Lyon Foundation would like to thank all the agents and staff that donated backpacks, school supplies, money and their time. The Arizona Helping Hands Back to School Drive was a huge success!! Through their incredible generosity, we were able to help hundreds of foster kids start school prepared for a successful year.“
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor, Karen Stroble to the Camelback Tower Office. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate.
Customizing her process to fit her clients’ individual needs, Karen Stroble ensures every buyer and seller receives a white-glove experience. Karen holds broker’s licenses in both Illinois and Arizona accommodating clients from all price points and demographics, including investors, luxury buyers, and first-time buyers. Her previous career in digital marketing and working for brands like Conde Nast and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has made for a seamless transition into real estate.
Karen’s knowledge and pride of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand is evident and expands beyond just Arizona. With her success in the Chicago market, she was a shoe in for the Scottsdale brokerage. We look forward to watching her Arizona business develop!
Summer is in full swing, and there’s nothing better than diving into a refreshing, cool pool! In fact, in Arizona, a pool is not just a beautiful luxury, but a necessity. Not surprisingly, 6 of the Top 10 Cities in the US for Swimming Pools are in Arizona. In the desert, nothing is more beautiful than a sparkling swimming pool in the backyard.
Arizona’s top estates feature resort-style swimming pools with all the best amenities. From lazy rivers to infinity edges, luxury spas, and water-park-style slides, you can find beautiful piscines throughout Arizona.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has a talented team of luxury lifestyle professionals across the state who can help track down the perfect home with a Pristine Pool, perfect for entertaining, hosting parties, and relaxing with family! Plus, pools complement the architectural features of the home and provide a focal point for the landscape.
Dive into these Pristine Pools featured in this month’s ICONIC Estates!
Stay and play in local luxury this summer with a staycation. When the temperatures go up, the rates go down, and that’s one great reason to live in The Valley of the Sun. We are fortunate to live in a place that so many travelers seek out for vacations. We have an exceptional array of high-end, luxury resorts with world-class dining, sophisticated spas and extensive amenities to enjoy—just minutes from home.
So, if you’re short on time, appreciate a good value or a vacation that takes all the work out of it, look no further than the end of your nose for the next city you’ll visit. And let them know the folks at ICONIC LIFE sent you.
“Can fashion even be sustainable? I’ve been covering sustainable fashion for seven years now, and still, I am asked this question. I know most people would assume no, fashion can not be sustainable since the very act of producing clothing requires resources—lots of them.
Fortunately, we have a growing number of passionate fashionistas who actually do care about the environment, including myself, and we’ve learned a thing or two about how you can make fashion more sustainable without abstaining from buying (or wearing) clothes. And don’t worry, we do not believe in sacrificing your personal style to any extent to participate in sustainable fashion either.”
Without a doubt, the King of Jazz would consider Ellington Heights—a sleek and stylish gem—a superb work of art. Nestled in the sun-kissed upper canyon of Silverleaf, the design for this magnificent estate collected inspiration from the social, artistic, and cultural dynamism of the Roaring Twenties era.
An absolute dream team has come together like an orchestra, including award-winning architect CP Drewett, master builder Gary Fries and interior design firm leader Claire Ownby, each playing their individual parts to create beautiful music together in construction and home design. This one-of-a-kind property is listed by Allan MacDonald.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor, Berenis Reyes, to the Camelback Tower Office.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate.
Berenis was raised in Goodyear before attending Arizona State University. She holds two Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Supply Chain Management, with a minor in Sustainability. While real estate and interior design were always of considerable interest to her, she headed into the corporate world for a few years, working in digital advertising and operations. When the workforce went remote, Berenis finally had the chance to dive back into her passions. She took a chance and bought and fixed up her first property. What was supposed to be a quick paint job turned into a complete remodel, transforming the house into a dream home! At that point, it was a no-brainer to become a licensed real estate agent to help others do the same: turn houses into homes by realizing a property’s full potential.
Berenis is now a full-time agent helping buyers, sellers, and investors achieve their real estate goals in Arizona. She loves working with people and will be there for her clients day and night. In her free time, you can find her walking her dog in nearby parks, hiking Camelback, in a yoga class, or exploring the many restaurants and shops the Phoenix Valley offers (let her know if you need any suggestions!). She is proud to call Arizona her lifelong home and excited to see it proliferate. Berenis would love to help you realize the beauty of living in the desert!
Meeting Berenis was like a breath of fresh air. Her desire to learn and to do well is admirable. We look forward to partnering with her and helping her achieve her career goals!
Throughout the state of Arizona, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has been proud to represent and participate in the following sales for the month of June.
We refer to these as ‘Significant Sales’, and while all of our transactions are truly significant, we hope you enjoy discovering these amazing homes based not only on price, but their architectural, cultural, and geographical significance, as well as those involved in the journey.
Enjoy!
SignificantSeller Representations:
5980 E Verde Place | Tucson Sold for $815,000 Seller Representation: Nancy Armanini
64 Madera Court | Tubac Sold for $667,849 Dual Representation: Gary Brasher & Daniel Ledwidge
12535 N 87th Drive | Peoria Sold for $642,000 Seller Representation: Linda Allison & Bobbi Martin
30136 N 73rd Drive | Peoria Sold for $640,000 Seller Representation: Cindy Smith & Wendy Boyce
18814 N 89th Lane | Peoria Sold for $600,000 Seller Representation: Lori Reiland
41960 N 105TH ST | Scottsdale Sold for $5,350,000 Dual Representation: Paul Perry, Michelle O’Neill, Tami Henderson, & Laurie Tucker
41345 N 96th Street | Scottsdale Sold for $4,800,000 Dual Representation: Dan Wolski, Troy Gillenwater, Jack O’Keefe, Kirk Marshall, & Keith Marshall
11368 E Salero Drive | Scottsdale Sold for $3,700,000 Dual Representation: Kathleen Benoit, Karen Baldwin, Bee Francis, & James Kolander
8342 E Golden Spur Lane | Carefree Sold for $2,900,000 Seller Representation: Debbie Omundson & Susan Folts
12402 N 74th Place | Scottsdale Sold for $1,820,000 Seller Representation: Michael Johnson
3201 E Arroyo Seco Road | Carefree Sold for $1,750,000 Dual Representation: Mark Hazelton, Steven Hanssen, Stacy Paluscio, Courtney Woods Olson, & Darcy Whalen
6893 E Cactus Wren Rd | Paradise Valley Sold for $4,600,000 Seller Representation: Will Foote, Debbie Negrin, Jay Pennypacker, & Mike Holder
10184 E Peak Cir | Scottsdale Sold for $3,400,000 Dual Representation: Will Foote, Debbie Negrin & Jay Pennypacker
6015 N Camino Preciado | Tucson Sold for $3,450,000 Seller Representation: Judy Smedes & Kate Herk
13013 N Tailwind Drive | Tucson Sold for $1,525,000 Seller Representation: Judy Smedes & Kate Herk
2522 E Turnberry Drive | Gilbert Sold for $1,800,015 Seller Representation: Chris Tiller
17953 E Colt Court | Queen Creek Sold for $1,400,000 Seller Representation: Cecilia Prest
2947 E Pinto Drive | Gilbert Sold for $1,300,000 Seller Representation: Chris Tiller
4300 Hidden Hollow Road | Flagstaff Sold for $3,775,000 Seller Representation: Blake Cain | Referral from Luxury Property Group
1297 Elkhorn Trail | Flagstaff Sold for $2,300,000 Seller Representation: Keith Laizure
0000 Forest Service Rd 135 | Happy Jack Sold for $2,750,000 Seller Representation: Paula Mack
415 Aerie Rd | Sedona Sold for $1,300,000 Dual Representation: Jolynn Greenfield
315 Mockingbird Lane | Sedona Sold for $2,900,000 Seller Representation: Jolynn Greenfield & Steve Doyle
195 Pebble Drive | Sedona Sold for $1,360,000 Seller Representation: Magdalena Romanska
1423 Commonwealth Street | Prescott Sold for $1,110,000 Seller Representation: Laura Spaeth
13675 N. Warpaint Place | Prescott Sold for $985,000 Dual Representation: Terri Kiffer
SignificantBuyer Representations:
21264 N 113th Place | Scottsdale
Sold for $28,100,000 – Record-Breaking Sale
Buyer Representation: Laura Briggs
10500 E Lost Canyon Drive #8 | Scottsdale
Sold for $6,000,000
Buyer Representation: Lisa Lucky, Laura Lucky, & Matt Lucky
6636 E Caron Drive | Paradise Valley
Sold for $3,100,000
Buyer Representation: Josh Shaver & Catherine Lewis
6296 N Lost Dutchman Drive | Paradise Valley
Sold for $4,400,000
Buyer Representation: Jan Kabbani
110 Silverleaf Dr lot 29 | Sedona
Sold for $2,450,000
Buyer Representation: Ed Pennington & Jeanette Sauer
4525 E Coronado Drive | Tucson
Sold for $1,526,000
Buyer Representation: Bryan Durkin & Susan Neitzel
3476 E Orleans Drive | Gilbert
Sold for $1,250,000
Buyer Representation: Jeremy Wilson & Elizabeth Wilson
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor, Karine Icher to the Pinnacle Peak Office. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate.
I’m excited to start my career in real estate with RLSIR. Coming from the golf world as an LPGA player for 15y, I’m looking to use all the skills and dedication I learned in sport to help my clients. And if I can add 1 or 2 tips on the golf course, let’s mix in the fun
Karine Icher
Born and raised in France, as a kid, Karine Icherrapidly fell in love with Golf and was fortunate to turn pro at the age of 21 and make a living. She spent her time studying and playing Golf at the highest amateur level as a teenager.
After winning the world team championship in Germany, Karine was ready to explore the world and join the Ladies European Tour. She played in Europe for four years, won 6 titles, and dreamed about the LPGA. She then got her full card in 2005 and played on the LPGA for 15 years. Karine was selected on the European Solheim Cup team 4 times, played in the Olympics in Rio in 2016, and was the French leader for many years. After competing in 354 tournaments on the LPGA, it was time for Karine to close that book and open a new one.
Karine now looks to use all the skills she learned in sport in real estate. Helping people achieve their dreams and goals is what drove her throughout the years
We are excited to welcome Karine Icher to our Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty sales team at the Pinnacle Peak Office. I know she will be a great asset to our office and will do a great job representing her clients.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor, Teresa Petasek, to the Prescott Office. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate.
I’m so proud to be a part of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty where the very name is synonymous with excellence. I’m excited and grateful for the future of my clients as I bring them the benchmark standard of service that this wonderful company is known for.
Teresa Petasek
Teresa believes that amazing customer service and attention to detail are what sets a business apart from the rest. At Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, white-glove service is a standard of excellence along with unrivaled marketing and cutting-edge technology. Teresa is dedicated to bringing this excellence in service to you as your REALTOR®.
Teresa moved to Northern Arizona from Wisconsin with her husband Mark of 36 years, in 2014. They are proud parents to Matthew (and Becky) and April, and grandparents to two beautiful granddaughters. When not working, you’ll find them enjoying their Prescott Valley home and their amazing quad-cities community with their two rescue dogs, Beanie and Chance.
Teresa brings a very studious approach to her business while still being very warm and friendly. We are thrilled to have her represent this great company and brand.