All Posts By

Alexandra Baum

Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Kimber Chisman

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, Kimber Chisman, to the Southeast Valley 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.

As your professional real estate advisor, Kimber focuses on client satisfaction. Her business is about service and she is not happy until you are happy. Kimber’s years in the business have provided her the experience to assist with nearly every real estate need.

“Quality never goes out of style, and I am excellence defined. Results that move you,” said Kimber Chisman

Whether it’s finding a home, finding the best loan, or helping you get the most out of selling your home she is here to guide you.

Kimberly Chisman is such a bright beautiful soul. Her background in customer service and her attention to detail combined with a phenomenal work ethic and a true desire to serve others give her such an advantage when working with clients. Kimber has spent much of her work life in educating and training others to be the best they can be. It’s so exciting having someone of Kimber’s quality join our Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family.

Cathy Green, Managing Broker
Baseball, Entertainment, Real Estate, Sports

Cody Bellinger Lists Chandler Residence with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

This masterpiece is equally tailor-made for those who love sports as well as those who love to entertain.

Have you ever dreamed of flying into town, taxing directly into your own private hangar, stepping into your home and shooting a game of hoops, or hitting a few balls in your own batting cage? While that may seem like a somewhat elaborate dream, it can actually now come to reality.


Star Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger can make that dream come true for you; Russ
Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate, is listing his “ultimate
man cave” for sale at $3,999,000 with Agent Jennifer Bellinger, who when she’s not finding buyers
for exquisite custom homes in Arizona also serves as Cody Bellinger’s mother.

This beautiful Forte custom home at 4390 W Beechcraft Place in Chandler measures in at 4,513 square feet on one level, with 3 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, but the numbers don’t do it justice when compared to the incredible amenities that it contains. The first and most prominent is the 3,762 square foot air-conditioned airplane hanger which taxis directly onto the Stellar runway. You can transit directly from a private plane right into your home.


The most unique features reflect the occupation of its owner, however; this is a sports-lover’s paradise. It naturally contains a retractable batting cage as well as a basketball court, a bar, and a game room. The absolutely perfect destination for your sports fanatic friends to come to and let loose. If you want to make your friends envious, this has what you need.


Of course, the home won’t be purely for recreation, and to that end, this exquisite home features dual master bedrooms, a guest suite, and a formal office.


The open floor plan has 18′ ceilings with floating box beam ceiling treatments. Towering gas linear fireplace in the main room is the centerpiece of the living area. While you’re entertaining, it’s essential to create great meals, and this home’s kitchen is appointed with Subzero/Wolf appliances including a built-in espresso maker, dual Cove dishwashers, and the dining space has built-in Subzero Wine Fridge.

If you want to cook outside in the beautiful Arizona weather, it has an outdoor kitchen with a pizza over. And it also features a heated pool jacuzzi, and a fireplace, making it an ideal meeting spot for not just your sports enthusiast friends, but friends and family of all hobbies and stripes.

And you know the old adage about real estate; it’s all about location, location, location. This Chandler home speaks perfectly to that, as it is close to world-renowned shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and schools. It’s an ideal place to both entertain family and raises a family.


We invite you to take your own virtual tour of the property by watching this video, with both video
and photo credit going to Anthony Giammarino at Airobird Drones Arizona.

We are confident that you’ll think that this gorgeous home is just as much of a home run as Cody Bellinger did when he purchased it.

This home was as recently featured here:

Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Tatum Stathakis

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, Tatum Stathakis, 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.

As a native of Scottsdale, She is thrilled to be sharing her knowledge and love for the city she has grown up in. With a long family history of being in the home and real estate business, she hopes to keep the tradition alive and have a lot of fun doing it.

Tatum is excited to be starting off her real estate career with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Tatum has recently joined our Brokerage and I must say, I have been impressed with her enthusiasm for this business! I know Tatum will be an instant success!

Kevin Gonzales, MANAGING BROKER
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Vickie Mercer

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, Vickie Mercer, 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.

Vickie loves living and sharing the Scottsdale lifestyle. More particularly in her words an oasis in a ‘living’ desert. Vickie found waterfront living in Scottsdale mirroring the waterfront living she enjoyed in Kirkland Washington for many years to be amazing – trading 320 days of overcast for 320 days of Valley sun.

Vickie trusts you’ll find her engaging and highly capable of managing the complexities of selling your home or finding the perfect place to call home. She is also skilled in managing people and situations – even difficult situations. Not that she wants to attract it, but she has the experience and know-how. Affiliating with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty offers tremendous marketing leverage for her clients and standards unmatched in the industry.

Vickie’s real estate experience in Washington will only help guide her in the Arizona market. Kind and committed to her client base, Vickie will obtain continued success in her real estate endeavors.

SHERRI MONTEITH, MANAGING BROKER
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

ICONIC ESTATES: Sanctuary Spa Bathrooms

We start and end each day in our bathroom, so why shouldn’t our bathrooms be luxurious sanctuaries for us to find peace and calm? We all look forward to a steaming shower or a soak in the tub to find a moment of zen. Indulge in an at-home spa treatment, skincare routine, or bubble bath. These luxurious spa bathrooms serve as a place of respite.


The primary bathroom is often the largest in a home and becomes the center for your personal spa. Spacious walk-in showers and oversized soaking tubs are often features of this space, along with a glamorous vanity area. Lighting is another key to a sanctuary bathroom, so be sure to have plenty of ambient and natural lighting.


Find your luxurious escape with a sanctuary spa bathroom in a beautiful home offered by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. A trusted expert from Russ Lyon is happy to help you find the relaxing atmosphere in one of their stunning estates.


Light a candle and put on your bathrobe for this edition of ICONIC Estates! ICONIC Estates!

If you are a proponent of pampering your pooch, you’ll love the unique architectural dog houses that are built each year for the annual Facings of America Design for Dogs competition. Local Phoenix-based architects, interior designers, builders, and industry partners compete head-to-head to design and build the best custom, one-of-a-kind dog house while fundraising for the Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA. At the Design for Dogs event—which was held in Scottsdale, Arizona—each dog house entry was on display for voters to rank, and a silent auction was held.

To bring the desert luxury spa resort experience back to earth, just add water and shift the standard paradigm of its location a bit out of the left field. This is exactly what film industry veteran Maria Lease had in mind when she looked to Coachella Valley as the prime location for her day spa resort, Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis.


And rather than looking to the obvious—the eternally bright and trendy downtown Palm Springs California or the oh-so-posh Palm Desert—she had her sights set on Desert Hot Springs, just a half-hour drive away from the two tourist draws. While the surroundings of Desert Hot Springs are a bit more low-key, it makes perfect sense for a spa resort when you consider that a relatively distraction-free space is the best place for self-care, with nature front and center.

Tess Loo’s luxe home decor is anything but ordinary, in fact, much of it is secondhand or DIY. As co-owner and Chief Fashion Officer of Eco-Chic Consignments—a collection of boutique resale stores including My Sister’s Closet, Well Suited, and My Sister’s Attic—Loo is all too familiar with the unique style and joy that preloved interior design can bring.


“I believe that in decorating, you can do high and low. You can buy a piece from Goodwill for $35, mix it with an antique you might have, and nobody knows and you don’t even have to tell them,” says Loo.

Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Rebekah Mayes

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, Rebekah Mayes, 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.

I am excited to utilize my skills in delivering an exceptional client experience in Arizona. I strive to create the perfect environment for her clients as they buy or sell their homes through consistency, credibility, and trustworthiness.

Rebekah Mayes

Rebekah Mayes joined Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in December 2021. She relocated from Chicago where she is also a licensed real estate agent with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty.

Rebekah deploys the skills she learned after a long career in the corporate environment within luxury beauty retail. She is excited to utilize her skills in delivering an exceptional client experience. She brings consistency, credibility, trustworthiness along with her great eye for design.

Rebeckah’s natural charm makes you instantly feel like you know her. Eager to help and extremely knowledgeable in her area of expertise, Rebekah was an easy choice to partner with in her real estate venture.

SHERRI MONTEITH, MANAGING BROKER
Entertainment, Inspiration, Sports

A Mountain Biker’s Journey

When the Summer Olympics head to France in 2024, one of the sports continuing to gain attention and momentum is mountain biking, especially here in the Grand Canyon state.  After beginning in California in the 1970s, the sport’s popularity has grown among adults and especially teens looking to tackle Arizona’s dramatic landscape and rugged terrain.

One of those young mountain biking enthusiasts’ is 14-year-old Zane Thomas of Anthem. 

“I love to jump and go fast downhill,” said Zane Thomas. “I would watch videos on social media of people going to bike parks and I knew it was something I wanted to try.”

Two years ago, while still in junior high school Zane came across a post about a Mountain Biking team allowing him to join the nearby Boulder Creek High School team and compete against older students.  Zane, who always had a spark for adventure and lives a little on the side of danger, didn’t waste any time.  As soon as he arrived at the first practice with a bike a helmet and he was ready to go. 

“He was practicing three days a week during summer vacation waking before the sun is up to try and beat the heat.  His new coaches were welcoming and so encouraging,” said Mom, Jennifer Thomas.

Unfortunately, that year the Arizona Cycling Association’s season was canceled due to COVID, but the coaches continued to hold practices all season for the teams and the following January the young mountain biker joined an additional MBAA series.  This was Zane’s first taste with cross country enduro racing and he fell in love.  

“I am so proud of him and so happy that he finally found his passion.  I am always nervous when he is on the start line knowing he will give it his all out there.  He has had several crashes, and has a few battle scars to show for it, but to see the excitement in his face when he breaks another goal is the best feeling,” said Thomas.

When his school year resumed Zane was back racing with the Boulder Creek team and he was so excited to race as a Freshman for his high school.  In his first year, he had a great high school season breaking all of his personal goals and ending with the State Championship in Sierra Vista, Arizona.  His teammate Gabe Harrelson won the State Championship that year. Zane has now started his second MBAA racing series in January and this time as a Junior Racer for Exhale Bikes Inc. 

Even though he’s just 14-years-old he’s currently racing with 15-and-16-year-olds. With northern and southern divisions, his mom says she is still shocked how popular mountain biking has become in Arizona and how many high schools across the state have teams and races on the weekends.

“Race weekends are full of energy and so much fun.  The families of the teammates gather in large pit areas as races commence all day,” said Jennifer Thomas.  “The teammates support each other at the start and finish line. It is a great group of kids and the families have been so warm and welcoming.”

Zane Thomas loves watching his fellow team members and Red Bull’s professional riders.  He hopes to ride like them all one day and his mom hopes he continues doing what he loves.

“It is not always about getting to the podium, but doing what makes you happy.  If he is happy then we are happy.  I know there are scholarships available and opportunities to travel with this sport.  If this is something he decides to do, we are 100% behind him,” she said.

I am so proud of him and so happy that he finally found his passion.  I am always nervous when he is on the start line knowing he will give it his all out there.  He has had several crashes, and has a few battle scars to show for it, but to see the excitement in his face when he breaks another goal is the best feeling. It is not always about getting to the podium, but doing what makes you happy.  If he is happy then we are happy. 

Jennifer Thomas, MOM

Looking to get your young mountain biker into competing? 

Check out the Arizona Cycling Association’s website for more information on the races and resources for Arizona Mountain Bikers arizonacycling.org or nationalmtb.org.

For more information on USA Cycling visit https://usacycling.org.

Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Record-Breaking and Highest Home Sale of the Year in Southern Arizona

The $4.5 million Sale of the Catalina Foothills Home Shatters Records in both the Foothills and the City of Tucson.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to announce the 4.45 million dollar sale of Tucson’s “Villa Esperero”, a sale which has toppled selling price records in both Tucson, as well as the Catalina Foothills.

It was an honor to be involved with the sale of Villa Esperero at Rattlesnake Canyon once again

Judy Smedes, Listing Agent


The luxurious custom-built home spans 9,000-square-feet on a sprawling 49-acre lot with
incredible mountain and valley views, and represents yet another landmark sale for Russ Lyon
Sotheby’s International Realty in Southern Arizona.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agents Judy Smedes and Kate Herk represented both sides
in this outstanding transaction and guided both seller and buyer smoothly through the process.
Impeccably designed by architect Ron Robinette to synthesize international influences with the natural beauty of Tucson, Villa Esperero is a work of art which is nestled in the exclusive Rattlesnake
Canyon Estates. This one-of-a-kind estate is best described as having incredibly precise detailing and
meticulous craftsmanship, carefully executed with a wide array of fine finishes including mesquite floors, natural stone & marble.

Located at 6799 N. Rattlesnake Canyon Drive, the 9,003-square-feet includes five bedrooms
and six-and-a-half bathrooms. It sits amongst a beautiful natural desert landscape including
a myriad of saguaros as well as other desert surprises.

Villa Esperero is a work of art. It is a spectacular luxury home unlike any other in Tucson.

Kate Herk, LIsting agent


Nestled far into the Foothills, Villa Esperero is a haven for peace and solitude, as well as a full
embrace of the local landscape and surrounding nature. For guests who want to make the trek out, however, this home is nearly custom-made for entertaining. With a large and inviting outdoor area, as well as a dramatic great room with a 25-foot ceiling, it has both the hominess as well as the ”wow” factor that will both impress your guests and simultaneously make them feel right at home factor for potential guests: a full grand piano for the musically talented amongst us.

Guests will no doubt be delighted as they gaze towards the wall of windows and out at the mountain
ranges with the backdrop of piano playing. And that wall of windows along with the vaulted ceilings lend themselves to a bright, open atmosphere with plenty of natural light to illuminate your lifestyle.

The kitchen comes fully prepared to both accommodate a hungry family and a thirsty gaggle of friends. A wet bar is there for entertaining those friends, and a gas range and kitchen island
make it a comfortable and well-equipped place to prepare meals. And should those friends
indulge a bit too much, guest facilities are there to ensure that they don’t need to make
their way down the mountain at night.


Lastly, and perhaps the most impressive of the “wow” aspects (especially for baseball fans):
this home has its own hitting cage and viewing area! Decked out with the logos of
major league teams, baseball fans won’t want to leave and the hosts will certainly be
amongst the most coveted folks in town.

A truly unique and beautiful property, Villa Esperero is yet another example of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s excellence in connecting buyers and sellers for the sale of one of the most impressive and valuable custom homes in the country.

This listings was also featured in Mansion Global: https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/the-most-expensive-home-in-tucson-arizona-sold-for-4-45-million-01646167170

Business, Entertainment, Sports

Homes for Arizona’s Basketball Lovers

With March Madness upon us, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has collected five incredible Valley homes for sale for the basketball fanatics amongst us, regardless of if you’ll be rooting for the Sun Devils or the Wildcats.

4390 W Beechcraft Place | Chandler

This beautiful Forte custom home listed by agent Jennifer Bellinger has 4,513-square-feet on one level with a private 3,762 square foot air-conditioned airplane hangar that taxis right out onto the Stellar runway. Listed at $3,999,000, this home is absolutely perfect for sports fans of all varieties. Along with the airplane hangar as well as the indoor half-court for hoop enthusiasts, it also features a retractable batting cage and a bar. The owner of this will have everyone on the block looking to become their friend.

19149 N 99th St #3670 | Scottsdale

Listed at $5,250,000 by agents Allan MacDonald and James Skubal, 19149 N 99th St #3670 in Scottsdale is a truly palatial compound tailor-made for leisure and enjoyment. It features a resort-style backyard that is perfect for entertaining and includes a sprawling salt-water pool with a two-story water slide from the balcony. Along with the full-sized sports court (including hoops), it contains a chef’s outdoor kitchen, Baja shelf, and grotto. If it’s time to turn things down a notch, there is also a covered patio with a fireplace, a fire pit, and a seating area with a generous grassy area. Perfect for both a rambunctious party and a quiet get-together.

23035 N. Church Road | Scottsdale

Listed at $7,500,000 by agents Frank Aazami and David Mayo, 23035 N. Church Road in Scottsdale is perfectly suited for a professional or Olympian athlete who is dedicated to perfecting their craft without having to fight traffic to do so. The basketball court is simply the start; it also features complete gym facilities. Along with a sports court, it has a putting green, an Olympic-sized pool, a weight room, lockers, a steam shower, and a tanning room. For the athlete that wants to bring the whole team together or bring their athlete friends across different sports together, this home has you covered.

2218 E. Orleans Dr | Gilbert

We head down to Gilbert for our next featured property, to 2218 E. Orleans Dr. is listed for
$2,350,000 by agent Jeffrey Hall. This property is the ideal mix of serious sporting and family-friendliness. It has a large sports court and a gigantic backyard, which provides ample space and entertainment potential for family, friends, and the whole neighborhood. This is in addition to great local schools and a downtown area with many new entertainments and dining options. A great neighborhood for all-of-the-above, and an ideal home for a growing family that loves to play.

6601 E. Stallion Rd. | Paradise Valley

Our last property is 6601 E. Stallion Rd. in Paradise Valley, listed for $4,750,000 by agents Cionne
McCarthy and Mikhail Quijada. This beautiful property brings together sports with entertainment in a way that makes it an ideal place to bring together a wide variety of guests. There is certainly the multi-use sports court, absolutely, but this is definitely not just a haven for sports enthusiasts. It features a backyard complete with expansive covered patios, a pool, spa, a fire pit, and a huge side yard with tons of natural grass. While the ballers can have a game on the court, everyone else can relax in comfort and style. The best of all worlds.

When it comes to beautiful, custom-made luxury homes, with or without sports facilities, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has you covered.

Entertainment, Real Estate

2021 Agent Recognition

Congratulations to our 2021 sales associates in receiving recognition as our Lyon’s Elite, Chairman’s Board, and President’s Club members. Thes sales professionals embody our brand values with exceptional service, unmatched local expertise, and global connections.

*Some of our recognition recipients are not listed due to missing headshots