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Alexandra Baum

Extraordinary Property of the Week

Extraordinary Property of the Week: 646 E Leah Lane

Just one mile from Downtown Gilbert, 646 E. Leah Lane offers a rare blend of country charm, modern luxury, and expansive outdoor living. Set on an irrigated 0.69-acre lot in a desirable non-HOA community, this beautifully remodeled ranch-style residence delivers the space and flexibility of a private estate while remaining close to the energy of one of the East Valley’s most vibrant destinations.

Inside, approximately 4,132 square feet of living space has been thoughtfully reimagined around comfortable, open-concept living. Neutral engineered hardwood flooring flows throughout the main living areas, while a cozy brick-red fireplace anchors the great room and adds warmth to the home’s contemporary finishes.

The remodeled kitchen is designed to be both a culinary workspace and a gathering destination. Two oversized islands create an abundance of preparation and entertaining space, complemented by quartz countertops, double built-in ovens, generous cabinetry, and a walk-in pantry. The adjacent laundry and mudroom add another layer of practicality, making the home as functional as it is refined.

The flexible floor plan includes five bedrooms and four full bathrooms, with two primary suites offering exceptional versatility for owners, guests, or multigenerational living. A finished basement with an office and additional storage provides even more room to tailor the home to the way you live.

Outside, 646 E. Leah Lane embraces a distinctly more relaxed side of Arizona living. The irrigated grounds offer mature greenery and open space, while a large covered patio creates an inviting setting for outdoor gatherings. A playground, chicken coops, and animal pen add a charming country character rarely found so close to Downtown Gilbert.

The property also offers an impressive six-car garage configuration, an extended driveway, and a detached garage ideal for vehicles, storage, or a workshop. With the flexibility to accommodate horses and additional outdoor uses, the estate offers possibilities well beyond those of a typical suburban residence.

What makes 646 E. Leah Lane particularly compelling is its sense of place. Here, the ease of modern living meets the freedom of an irrigated acreage property, all within approximately one mile of Downtown Gilbert’s restaurants, shops, and community amenities.

It is a home that offers something increasingly rare: space to live expansively, room to gather, and the freedom to make the property truly your own.

Extraordinary Property of the Week

Extraordinary Property of the Week: 10874 E Dale Lane

Found inside the prestigious guard-gated community of Candlewood Estates at Troon North, 10874 E. Dale Lane offers a sophisticated reimagining of contemporary desert living. Completely remodeled in 2026, this single-level residence pairs refined materials and thoughtful design with sweeping mountain views and unforgettable western sunsets.

Positioned on a premium north/south-facing corner lot spanning approximately 0.39 acres, the home offers a rare combination of privacy, natural light, and indoor-outdoor connection. European oak hardwood flooring, oversized designer baseboards, custom lighting, new aluminum-frame windows and doors, and a new roof with transferable warranty give the residence a polished, turnkey feel from the moment you arrive.

Inside, soaring ceilings and expansive windows create an airy sense of scale, while the open split-bedroom floor plan provides an effortless flow for both everyday living and entertaining. The great room centers around a dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace and opens through expansive glass doors to the outdoor living spaces, allowing Arizona’s landscape to become part of the home’s interior experience.

The redesigned chef’s kitchen is both elegant and highly functional, featuring a striking waterfall-edge island, premium appliances, modern flat-panel cabinetry, designer lighting, and a private prep kitchen. A dedicated wine-storage area adds an elevated entertaining touch, while the open arrangement keeps the kitchen connected to the home’s main gathering spaces.

The primary suite offers a tranquil retreat with its own fireplace and direct access to a private patio. Its newly designed bath features dual vanities and a sophisticated wet-room configuration, while dual closets provide generous storage. Three additional bedrooms offer privacy for family and guests, with multiple spaces opening toward the home’s beautifully landscaped grounds.

Outside, the residence embraces the best of the Sonoran Desert lifestyle. A heated pool anchors the backyard, surrounded by multiple covered and open-air patios designed for lounging and entertaining. Built-in barbecue amenities, lush desert landscaping, mountain views, and western-facing sunsets create an especially compelling setting for afternoons by the pool and evenings beneath the Arizona sky.

The home’s location is equally desirable. Within Candlewood Estates at Troon North, residents enjoy a guard-gated setting with access to community amenities including golf, tennis, and additional recreational offerings. Beyond the gates, some of North Scottsdale’s most celebrated golf, hiking, dining, and shopping destinations are just minutes away.

With its complete 2026 transformation, premium corner-lot setting, refined interiors, and spectacular mountain and sunset views, 10874 E. Dale Lane offers a fresh expression of North Scottsdale luxury—private, polished, and designed for the Arizona lifestyle.

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Brandon Lopez

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 Brandon Lopez to our Tucson Office.

Born and raised in Tucson, Brandon Lopez brings a deep connection to Southern Arizona and a genuine passion for helping others achieve their real estate goals. As a dedicated real estate professional with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Brandon combines local expertise, strong values, and a client-first approach to create an exceptional experience for every buyer and seller he serves.

A proud graduate of the University of Arizona and former collegiate football player, Brandon’s roots in the Tucson community run deep. His lifelong knowledge of the area allows him to provide valuable insight into the unique neighborhoods, communities, and lifestyle opportunities that make Southern Arizona such a special place to call home.

Since beginning his real estate career in 2022, Brandon has been committed to guiding clients through every stage of the buying and selling process with confidence and clarity. Whether assisting first-time homebuyers, growing families seeking more space, downsizers looking for their next chapter, or clients searching for their dream home, he approaches every transaction with personalized attention and unwavering dedication.

For Brandon, real estate is about much more than properties and transactions. He believes a home is where memories are created, families grow, and dreams take shape. This perspective drives his commitment to helping clients find not just the right house, but the right place to build their future. Family, faith, integrity, and service serve as the foundation of both his personal and professional life, guiding every interaction and negotiation.

Known for his honest communication, strong work ethic, and client-focused service, Brandon treats every transaction as if it were his own. His goal is to build lasting relationships based on trust while delivering results that help clients achieve their unique real estate objectives.

Outside of real estate, Brandon is passionate about health, wellness, and fitness, pursuits that help him maintain the discipline and energy needed to serve his clients at the highest level. He enjoys spending time with family, exploring Southern Arizona’s beautiful outdoor spaces, hiking Tucson’s scenic trails, and embracing new adventures whenever possible.

Community involvement is also a cornerstone of Brandon’s life. He currently serves on the board of the National Football Foundation of Southern Arizona and brings more than seven years of fundraising experience to local organizations and charitable causes. His commitment to giving back reflects his desire to help make Tucson an even stronger and more vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.

From its welcoming community and rich cultural heritage to its incredible dining, outdoor recreation, arts, music, and educational opportunities, Tucson continues to inspire Brandon both personally and professionally. He is proud to call Southern Arizona home and is honored to help others discover all that this remarkable region has to offer.

Whether clients are buying, selling, or investing, Brandon Lopez is dedicated to providing the guidance, expertise, and personalized service needed to make every real estate journey a success.

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Denise Dunning-Ricketts

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 Denise Dunning-Ricketts to our Pinnacle Peak Office.

Denise is a self-starter and accomplished, career-long businesswoman who blends experience with innovation and works tirelessly for her clients to help them achieve their real estate goals. Known for her strong work ethic and client-first mindset, she brings both depth of knowledge and a modern, solutions-driven approach to every transaction.

Moving to the Arcadia area of Phoenix at the age of eleven, Denise witnessed firsthand the growth and transformation of the Valley. This long-term perspective gives her a rare and valuable understanding of Phoenix-area communities, market trends, and neighborhood evolution, allowing her to provide clients with in-depth insight when making important real estate decisions.

Her background reflects a wide range of accomplishments and leadership experiences. Denise was a western horse youth champion, demonstrating early discipline, focus, and determination. She is also a former owner of a renowned French restaurant, where she developed a strong foundation in business operations, customer service, and high-level client care. In addition, she has dedicated significant time to community service, including serving on the Board of the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center and acting as President of Fountain Hills’ ADOG, both organizations focused on the welfare of dogs and native wildlife. She is also a proud Fountain Hills Four Peaks Rotarian, a member of the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee.

As a real estate professional, Denise manages every detail of a transaction with precision and care, emphasizing integrity, communication, negotiation expertise, market knowledge, and exceptional customer service. She is known for her responsiveness and attentiveness, often saying, “I answer my phone and listen to your needs to provide the care and know-how you expect from your real estate advisor.”

Denise first earned her real estate license in the 1980s with a focus on buying and selling investment land in Arizona. After returning to the profession in 2014, she expanded her expertise to include resale homes, second homes, land, horse properties, and new construction across all price points. Born in Chicago, raised in Scottsdale, and a graduate of Harvard University, she has also called San Diego, Cambridge, and Lexington, Massachusetts home.

Today, Denise continues to serve her clients with a level of care, professionalism, and dedication rooted in decades of experience and a genuine passion for helping people find the right place to call home.

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Victoria Nocik

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 Victoria Nocik to our Tucson Office.

Victoria is a business management graduate with over a decade of experience delivering elevated service across the hospitality and retail industries. Originally from the East Coast, she brought her refined, client-focused approach to Tucson, where she became a licensed real estate professional in 2019. Since then, she has built a reputation for providing a seamless, high-touch experience for both local and out-of-state clients seeking guidance in today’s competitive real estate market.

Her professional foundation began more than 13 years ago as a yacht stewardess on a private yacht for a national football team owner—an experience that shaped her understanding of white-glove service at the highest level. That standard of excellence continues to define her approach today, where discretion, precision, and anticipating client needs are second nature.

Victoria is an Accredited Buyer’s Specialist and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, credentials that reflect her commitment to excellence and advanced expertise in serving discerning buyers and sellers. After nearly seven years in real estate—learning from mentors, colleagues, and a diverse range of clients—she made a deliberate decision to elevate her business to the next level by aligning with a world-renowned brand like Sotheby’s International Realty. This step reflects her dedication to growth, professionalism, and delivering a truly luxury experience for the Tucson community.

Known for her meticulous attention to detail, strategic negotiation skills, and polished, results-driven approach, Victoria is committed to exceeding expectations at every stage of the transaction. She takes pride in understanding what matters most to her clients, building trust through clear communication, and guiding them with confidence through every step of the buying or selling process. Her goal is to ensure clients feel informed, empowered, and fully supported throughout their real estate journey.

Beyond real estate, Victoria enjoys reading, cooking, and watching a good sunset. She also cherishes time with her Shih Tzu, Ribeye, who is a beloved part of her daily life. Dedicated to continued professional growth, she is actively working toward earning her Certified Residential Specialist designation as she continues investing in the longevity and advancement of her real estate career.

Victoria’s approach is rooted in experience, elevated by education, and defined by a genuine passion for delivering exceptional service.

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Lowry Petty-Hughes

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 Lowry Petty-Hughes to our Tucson Office.

For more than 20 years, Lowry Petty-Hughes has been a trusted resource in the Arizona real estate market, known for her dedication to exceptional service, deep market knowledge, and genuine care for her clients. She believes that every client deserves the same level of attention, honesty, and commitment that she would expect herself. To Lowry, real estate is about much more than transactions—it is about guiding people through important life transitions with confidence and peace of mind.

Throughout every step of the buying or selling process, Lowry serves as a trusted advocate, skilled negotiator, thoughtful sounding board, and calming presence. Her client-centered approach is rooted in empathy, clear communication, and a commitment to creating positive experiences that extend far beyond the closing table.

Real estate has been a part of Lowry’s life from an early age. As the daughter of a builder, she was introduced to the industry at a young age and developed a natural appreciation for homes, construction, and the communities they help create. That early exposure laid the foundation for a successful career dedicated to helping others achieve their real estate goals.

Over the course of her career, Lowry has successfully navigated clients through a wide range of market conditions and transaction scenarios. Her extensive experience allows her to anticipate challenges before they arise and proactively develop solutions that keep transactions moving forward smoothly. Combined with her strong negotiation skills and meticulous attention to detail, Lowry consistently delivers a high level of service and results that exceed expectations.

Whether assisting buyers in finding their dream home or helping sellers maximize the value of their property, Lowry is known for going above and beyond. No task is too small when it comes to serving her clients. Her intuitive approach, local market expertise, and dedication to personalized service provide clients with the confidence that they have a knowledgeable advocate by their side every step of the way.

A proud graduate of Catalina Foothills High School and the University of Arizona, Lowry has deep roots in the Tucson community she proudly serves. While she is passionate about real estate, her greatest joys come from her family. She is a devoted wife to her high school sweetheart, Justin, and a proud mother to Cayden and Hayley. She also cherishes the unique bond she shares with her identical twin sister, Lindsey.

When she is not helping clients achieve their real estate goals, Lowry enjoys practicing yoga, cooking for her family, spending time with her beloved fluffy pup, Chestnut Praline, and celebrating life’s special moments with a flute of bubbly.

In Tucson’s Foothills luxury market, relationships are everything. Lowry’s mission is to create an exceptional client experience while building lasting relationships founded on trust, integrity, and personalized service. Her goal is not only to help clients successfully buy or sell a home, but to become a trusted resource they can rely on for years to come.

Extraordinary Property of the Week

Extraordinary Property of the Week: 12799 N 116th Street

Set within the prestigious, guard-gated community of Ancala Country Club, 12799 N. 116th Street offers a refined take on North Scottsdale living. Completely reimagined and positioned on a private 0.54-acre lot, this contemporary estate pairs sophisticated interiors with sweeping mountain and desert views, creating a seamless setting for both relaxed living and elevated entertaining.

Inside, approximately 4,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space unfolds across a single level. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the surrounding landscape into the home, filling the open-concept great room with natural light and creating an effortless connection between the interior and the outdoors. The home’s contemporary aesthetic is complemented by designer lighting, refined finishes, and an emphasis on comfort and functionality.

At the center of the home, the kitchen is designed with entertaining in mind. Custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, a generous island, and an oversized walk-in pantry with its own prep counter provide both beauty and practicality. The kitchen flows naturally into the great room, allowing conversations and gatherings to continue seamlessly from one space to the next.

The primary suite offers a private retreat with its own mountain views. Its spa-inspired bath features a soaking tub, oversized shower, dual vanity, and designer lighting, creating a tranquil space to begin and end the day. Four additional bedrooms feature ensuite designer baths and custom closets, while a separate media and family room provides additional space for movie nights, entertaining, or simply spreading out.

The home’s versatility extends to the garage, where a half-bay has been transformed into an air-conditioned home gym while retaining the flexibility to return to garage use. An EV charging station and additional storage add modern convenience to the property’s thoughtful design.

Outside, the residence becomes a private resort. A heated saltwater pool and spa, complete with a water feature, are surrounded by lush landscaping and multiple lounge areas. An expansive outdoor kitchen—with built-in grill, Blackstone, and meat smoker—creates an ideal setting for long afternoons by the pool and evenings under the stars. Unobstructed mountain views provide a dramatic backdrop throughout the outdoor spaces.

As a resident of Ancala, the property also enjoys the advantages of a premier North Scottsdale community with guarded entry, golf, tennis, fitness facilities, and other resort-style amenities.

At 12799 N. 116th Street, the Arizona lifestyle is expressed through thoughtful architecture, sophisticated interiors, resort-inspired outdoor living, and an extraordinary natural setting. It is a home designed not simply to showcase the beauty of North Scottsdale, but to make the most of it every day.

Uncategorized

Proud Moments: Dan Wolski Named to the 2026 RealTrends Verified + The Thousand

Congratulations to Dan Wolski on his inclusion in the 2026 RealTrends Verified + The Thousand list!

This prestigious national recognition celebrates the top-performing real estate professionals and teams across the United States, with rankings based on verified residential sales volume and transaction sides.

Dan’s recognition reflects his deep market expertise, exceptional negotiation skills, and unwavering commitment to his clients. His outstanding performance in 2025 earned him a place among the country’s leading real estate professionals, alongside top advisors from Sotheby’s International Realty® brokerages across the nation.

Throughout his career, Dan has built a reputation for delivering thoughtful guidance, strategic expertise, and exceptional service in competitive real estate markets. This national recognition is a reflection of the results he consistently delivers for his clients and the trust he has earned along the way.

At Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, we are proud to see our advisors recognized among the best in the industry. Dan’s achievement represents not only his individual success, but also the professionalism, expertise, and elevated standards that define our brokerage.

Congratulations, Dan, on this well-earned recognition! We are proud to celebrate this achievement and look forward to all that is ahead as you continue serving clients throughout Arizona and beyond.

RealTrends

Among The Best in Arizona: Russ Lyon Advisors Recognized by RealTrends Verified

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to announce that a significant number of its exceptional real estate professionals have been recognized in the 2026 RealTrends Verified rankings, affirming their position among the top-performing real estate advisors in Arizona and across the nation.

RealTrends Verified rankings are widely regarded as one of the most respected benchmarks in the residential real estate industry, honoring agents based on independently verified production in both sales volume and transaction sides. These rankings highlight not only individual achievement but also the strength of brokerage leadership, collaboration, and client service excellence.

Leading Arizona in Sales Volume

This year, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty advisors secured some of the highest rankings in Arizona for sales volume, showcasing extraordinary performance across luxury and residential markets statewide.

Top-ranked advisors by volume include:

  • Dan Wolski – No. 6
  • Lonnie Lopez – No. 14
  • Leslie Jenkins – No. 17
  • Lisa Roberts – No. 18
  • Patrick Rice – No. 24
  • Karina Rodriguez – No. 29
  • Jennifer Schumacher – No. 34
  • Dave Purpora – No. 36
  • Tricia Cormie – No. 41
  • Josie Pakula – No. 43
  • Cheryl Anderson – No. 55
  • Johnathon De Young – No. 67
  • Blake Cain – No. 93
  • Gary Brasher – No. 95
  • Hans Horchler – No. 100
  • Joanie Barreiro – No. 107
  • Tim Hundelt – No. 111
  • Shawn Chappel – No. 129
  • Virginia Gee – No. 139
  • Carol Spencer – No. 149
  • Cheryl D’Anna – No. 153
  • Nick Kingston – No. 158
  • Yong Choi – No. 163
  • Kim Weber – No. 166
  • Julie Warner – No. 167
  • Katrin Themlitz – No. 178
  • Peter Zaidan – No. 184
  • Robin Kaiserman – No. 188
  • Laura Briggs – No. 194
  • Sierra Allegretto – No. 195
  • Jeff Fields – No. 201
  • Jeane Adinolfi – No. 210
  • Cari Dandy – No. 213
  • Christine Anthony – No. 216
  • Oriana Lehman Wood – No. 217
  • Mary Wolf-Breen – No. 218
  • Danny Baker – No. 222
  • Shawn Keeler – No. 230
  • Cindi DeWine – No. 232
  • Ranee Jacobus – No. 246
  • Marta Harvey – No. 252
  • Barbara Miller – No. 257
  • Bev Wasson – No. 260
  • Marta Walsh – No. 276
  • Chris Tiller – No. 279
  • Shane Ashcraft – No. 287
  • Jill Anderson – No. 294
  • Stacey Vandivert – No. 306
  • Steve Doyle – No. 307
  • Jessica Jablonski – No. 313
  • Anthony Nicholas – No. 321
  • Michelle Glenn – No. 327
  • Regina Alvarez – No. 330
  • Kathleen Lane – No. 332
  • Theresa Krakauer – No. 334
  • Molly Auman – No. 346
  • Sue Shapiro – No. 352
  • Lori Stewart – No. 365
  • Jessica Schaefer – No. 366
  • Lesley Vann – No. 371
  • Lyn Trayte – No. 373
  • Jeffrey Armbruster – No. 402
  • Cionne McCarthy – No. 408
  • Kymberly Clark – No. 409
  • Thalia Kyriakis – No. 424
  • Jennifer Sturgeon – No. 433
  • Anthony Guerriero – No. 455
  • Karen Nychay – No. 460
  • Susan Harris – No. 461
  • Monique Pacurariu – No. 490
  • Leslie Young – No. 495
  • Jen O’Brien – No. 499
  • Marianna Shone – No. 506
  • Lorraine Funk – No. 510
  • Linda A. Wood – No. 513
  • Suzanne Gammage – No. 532
  • Craig Bennett – No. 564
  • Stefano Pecci – No. 568
  • Monty Cooper – No. 584
  • John Pryor – No. 585
  • Niccole Owens – No. 602
  • Jean Grimes – No. 608
  • Jenna Loving – No. 632
  • Stephanie Anderson – No. 640
  • Maria Anemone – No. 660
  • Jessica Sparks – No. 669

Strong Performance in Transaction Sides

In addition to sales volume success, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty advisors were also recognized for their performance in transaction sides—reflecting the breadth of client relationships and the volume of homes successfully represented.

Top-ranked advisors by sides include:

  • Dan Wolski – No. 27
  • Lisa Roberts – No. 41
  • Jennifer Schumacher – No. 60
  • Gary Brasher – No. 74
  • Blake Cain – No. 259
  • Anthony Guerriero – No. 262
  • Leslie Jenkins – No. 282
  • Danny Baker – No. 285
  • Lonnie Lopez – No. 288
  • Mary Wolf-Breen – No. 288
  • Kim Weber – No. 306
  • Chris Tiller – No. 331
  • Marta Harvey – No. 332

A Reflection of Excellence Across Arizona

These achievements reflect the dedication, professionalism, and market expertise that define Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty advisors. From first-time homebuyers to luxury estate clients, these professionals continue to deliver exceptional results across Arizona’s most sought-after communities.

Their success is also a testament to the strength of collaboration within the brokerage—where shared knowledge, elevated marketing, and global reach through the Sotheby’s International Realty network help advisors achieve extraordinary outcomes for their clients.

Congratulations to Our Advisors

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty proudly congratulates all advisors recognized in the 2026 RealTrends Verified rankings. Their accomplishments reinforce the firm’s position as Arizona’s leader in luxury and residential real estate and highlight the extraordinary talent within its network.

As the market continues to evolve, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty remains committed to empowering its advisors with the tools, support, and global platform needed to achieve industry-leading results.