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Alexandra Baum

Architecture, Art, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon sIR Sells Hacienda Escondida

Marta Harvey and Dawn Jacobs of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Tucson office have listed and sold Hacienda Escondida for $2,675,000.

Built in 1943, Hacienda Escondida was recently transformed by award-winning architect Clay Scrivner into a magazine-featured ”Work of Art” that magnifies Pusch Ridge’s iconic views. A unique and private estate on 4.6 acres, this masterpiece in Oro Valley is hidden by trees, iron gates, tall hedges and adobe-capped walls. The 6,659 SF home features 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, a 1 bedroom casita, workshop, studio and resort-like backyard.

Business, Real Estate, Travel

Sotheby’s International Realty® Brand Expands Into Romania

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Artmark Historical Estate in Romania is the newest member of its global network and will now operate as Romania Sotheby’s International Realty. This addition marks the brand’s first affiliated office in the country and its continued strategic growth in Europe.

Romania Sotheby’s International Realty is owned and operated by Constantin Prisecaru, who has practiced real estate in Romania for seven years. Monica Barbu is the chief executive officer for the company and brings more than 20 years of real estate industry experience in the region. Romania Sotheby’s International Realty will serve the luxury and residential markets of Bucharest and the surrounding region.

The modern real estate market in Romania continues to develop and flourish. We are seeing increased demand in Bucharest and its surrounding areas and the luxury market continues to expand as interest grows for holiday and weekend homes at the seaside or in the mountains. Constantin and his team have a passion for and strong grasp on the Romanian market, and we are proud to welcome them as an affiliate.

Philip White, President and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty

“Joining forces with Sotheby’s International Realty enables us to provide an added level of international exposure to our clients and listings,” said Prisecaru. “Our company culture is built on professionalism, heritage, and excellence. It was important that we aligned ourselves with a brand that values these same principles and one that actively works to highlight a property in its best light, bringing attention to landmarks, heritage, history, and architecture.”

Romania Sotheby’s International Realty is located in Bucharest with six sales associates. The company and its sales associates are actively involved in promoting Romanian heritage and continue to work to bring attention to historical buildings throughout the country including palaces, castles, manors, and century-old villas.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 23,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in 1,000 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. In 2019, the brand achieved a record global sales volume of $114 billion USD. Romania Sotheby’s International Realty listings are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Architecture, Business, COVID-19, Inspiration, Life, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Sells Ahmers Nest

The luxury contemporary home sold for $5.5 million

 Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is excited to announce its agents represented both sides of the all-time record price sale in Fountain Hills.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty team Pellegrini & DeGeorge Partners Susan Pellegrini, Karen DeGeorge and Tony Pellegrini represented the sellers while Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agent Dave Pattison represented the buyer in the $5.5 million sale of Ahmers Nest located at 13950 Bighorn Parkway, Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268.

The record sale shows Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and Pellegrini & DeGeorge Partners’ prowess in Fountain Hills. 

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Fountain Hills office is number one in the submarket for sales volume year-to-date with 13.8 percent of the luxury market (sales of $800,000 and above). The Fountain Hills office is also number one in the submarket year-over-year with 15.8 percent of luxury sales.

“We worked hard to sell this one-of-a-kind property. It shows Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and our team of brokers are the dominant force in the attractive Fountain Hills submarket,” Susan Pellegrini said.

The 10,480-square-foot home has 5-bedrooms and 7-bathrooms. “The contemporary gem sits on top of its mountain in Fountain Hills with incredible views and imported finishes,” Karen DeGeorge said.

Tony Pellegrini worked closely with the owner learning the intricacies of the property and said “I have never seen so much attention to detail poured into the design of a property, especially when paired with a one of a kind hilltop parcel.”

Dave Pattison also specializes in luxury listings throughout Arizona. “This one-of-kind home offered astounding views, a prime Fountain Hills location and the quality the buyers were looking for,” Pattison said. 

Architecture, Art, Augmented Reality, Business, COVID-19, Education, Entertainment, Inspiration, Life, Technology

5 Incredible Places You Can Visit Virtual Right Now

with Sotheby’s International Realty

It’s summertime and you may have had travel plans that got canceled or postponed. Staying home doesn’t mean that you can’t still be well traveled; from UNESCO World Heritage sites like Machu Picchu to world-class zoos and aquariums, here are five incredible places you can visit right now from the comfort of your own home.

Machu Picchu

The first stop on our virtual vacation is the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu in southern Peru. Built in the 15th century, you can tour the citadel ruins and restorations with guided audio to give you important details along the way.

The Georgia Aquarium

Did you know that some studies show that visiting an aquarium can relieve stress? Featured on Animal Planet’s hit show “The Aquarium,” bring the Georgia Aquarium into your living room with one of its many live tank cams and relax as you watch colorful fish, otters, reptiles, and more.

Arches National Park

The United States is home to many wonderous national parks – more than 400 in total. With the help of Google Earth, travel the deserts of Utah and see Arches National Park where you can virtually walk through some of the more than 2,000 sandstone arches that are the area’s namesake.

The San Diego Zoo

Looking for some one-on-one time with your favorite exotic animal? The San Diego Zoo in California has you covered. With 11 live camera feeds you can spend hours with pandas, tigers, giraffes, penguins and more.

The Great Pyramid and Great Sphinx of Giza

One is the only true remaining ancient wonder of the world and the other is an iconic ancient Egyptian structure. We of course, are talking about the Great Pyramid and Great Sphinx of Giza. Through Google Earth’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites project, these are just two of the 30 significant places you can visit.

Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Suzanne Connor

Lisa Wadey's head shot

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, Suzanne Connor, 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. 

Suzanne Connor’s greatest strength as a luxury home specialist comes from everything she does outside of real estate. As a licensed Interior Designer and Arizona Sales Agent, Suzanne understands the true meaning of concierge service, the art of negotiation, and the skills necessary to design and present remarkable properties. Her devotion to her clients and her tenacity to “make it happen” is paramount to her success.

Suzanne’s work ethic is evident in the way she not only presents herself, but the pride she takes in preparing for her clients. We are lucky to have Suzanne’s good name partnered with ours and look forward to watching her story unfold.

Sherri Monteith, Managing Brkoer
Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon Welcomes Shannon Stone

Lisa Wadey's head shot

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, Shannon Stone, 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. 

Shannon’s love for all things real estate began at a very early age.  From as far back as she can remember, she has always loved homes.   When she was in her 20s, she bought her first home.   A year later, when she quickly sold it for twice what she paid for it, she knew she wanted to get into real estate!   She got her real estate license in 1994 and has since bought and sold many homes personally and has helped many others do the same.   

Shannon has a unique talent for selling homes for top dollar and in the shortest period of time.  Her discerning eye and attention to detail will help your home look it’s very best to a potential buyer. She’s a seasoned negotiator with the ability to successfully navigate all the unexpected scenarios that arise when buying and selling a home.  When working with buyers, Shannon takes full advantage of all resources to find the unique home they are looking for.  She loves the challenge of finding a home that perfectly suits the buying family & will use her extensive network of industry connections to find off-market or coming-soon properties that a buyer would never be able to find on their own!

If you’re looking for a REALTOR® with integrity, who is incredibly responsive, an excellent listener, a hard worker, and someone you will enjoy working with and getting to know, then give her a call today and put her experience to work for you!

Shannon’s go-getter attitude was evident from the beginning! A sharp eye for detail and a warm conversationalist make Shannon and her partnering with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty a recipe for absolute success.

Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker
Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon Welcomes Valerie Bonsonto-Schultz

Lisa Wadey's head shot

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, Valerie Bonsonto-Schultz, 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. 

Valerie Bonsonto-Schultz has a tireless work ethic. She just can’t help herself – it’s a blessing and a curse as she says. Valerie is both tenacious and compulsive about doing things as well as they can be done. 

Valerie has a genuine passion for the work together with a strong desire to win her client’s trust while developing a lasting friendship. She enjoys representing both buyers and sellers in skillfully working through the complexities of the home buying and selling process. 

It brings her joy to share the love she has for the Arizona lifestyle. In her free time, you can find Valerie usually reading a book, at the movies, or with her two boys riding bikes or swimming while savoring the warmth and beauty of Arizona.

Valerie is an outstanding professional.  Coming from the Chicago area her work ethic and midwest values combined with her serving heart prove to be an unbeatable combination. Valerie’s communication skills allow one to feel at complete ease from the moment they meet her until the completion of the transaction and beyond.  It is a pleasure to have her on our Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Southeast Valley Team.

Cathy Green, Managing Broker
Business, Real Estate

Russ lyon SIR Welcomes Wyndie Whitney

Lisa Wadey's head shot

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, Wyndie Whitney, to the Sedona 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. 

Wyndie grew up here in the Verde Valley. In fact, her family has been in this area for four generations. She knows the area so well that she’ll be able to help you choose the perfect location for your new home. She is one of the best people to ask if you are looking for recommendations on places to eat or fun things to do! 

Wyndie has abundant experience in customer service, having owned her own customer service business for more than five years prior to her real estate career. Through her professional experience, she has perfected her ability to multitask, communicate effectively, and use the latest technology expertly.  A natural born listener, she gives you, the client, the time you need to tell your story and convey your needs, wants, and concerns. Wyndie then takes that information and is your advocate, whether as a buyer or seller. Wyndie will make sure your needs are met, always keeping you educated and informed.  

Wyndie is exactly the type of agent we covet at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. She has a great demeanor and personality for the business and is dedicated to being the top professional she can be. She is such a quality addition to our team that I would trust Wyndie to work with my own mother.

Tod Christensen
Business, Golf, Real Estate, Sports

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Khyl Clemenshaw

Lisa Wadey's head shot

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, Khyl Clemenshaw, to the Flagstaff 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. 

Khyl Clemenshaw is originally from the great state of Michigan and graduated with a degree in business marketing at Ferris State University.  He became a Class A PGA Professional and chased his dream as a golf professional to Arizona in May 2007.  

After spending eight years at Whisper Rock Golf Club in Scottsdale, Khyl shifted his passion to real estate specializing in the luxury golf community market in Flagstaff.  

As a sales executive at Pine Canyon for five years, Khyl was able to perfect his craft as a real estate professional and developed many valuable relationships on and off the course.  He takes pride in making sure every aspect of the transaction goes smoothly by keeping his buyers and sellers informed along the way.  

As a trusted friend and advisor, nothing is more gratifying than a past client speaking highly of you to one of their friends.  It’s Khyl’s motivation and determination that continues to push him to be the very best at what he does.  He believes a house is not just a home, it’s a place where families and friends make lasting memories. Whether you are searching for your dream home or looking to sell, Khyl Clemenshaw is here to assist you!

We are thrilled to welcome Khyl to the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family. He is a tremendous agent with fantastic expertise in luxury golf communities and beyond. His experience and integrity make him a perfect addition to the team. Khyl Clemenshaw is also the best golfer I know, a truly remarkable talent on the course.

Bret Lamberson
Architecture, Art, Business, Entertainment, Golf, Inspiration, Real Estate, Technology, Working From Home

Stunning Modern Properties

Sleek and sophisticated contemporary styled homes that are works of art

Contemporary homes incorporating state-of-the-art smart technology, floor to ceiling glass walls and distinctive concrete architecture.  These homes offer spectacular views and unique designs that embody and enhance the surrounding landscape. With a focus on using raw materials like steel, glass, concrete and other stone materials the following homes are offering some great selections for buyers looking for a modern, contemporary and industrial look this summer. 

Paul Perry and Michelle O’Neill is pleased to list the 5,420-square-foot home at 7334 N Clearwater Parkway for $5.25 million. Construction Zone designed and built this contemporary 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom steel, glass and concrete home that is elevated high on the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Walls of glass provide endless stunning views of sunrises, Camelback mountain landscape, city lights and more. Walk across the glass bridge to enter the master suite, with a steel fireplace, private terrace with a master bath with an indoor/outdoor shower.

A home designed by internationally published architect, Brent Kendle, this timeless modernistic masterpiece is located in the golf community of Desert Mountain at 38300 North 102nd Street. Presented by Anne Morrissey, Bee Francis, Karen Baldwin and Kathleen Benoit, this 8,251-square-foot home with 5-bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms blends organic rammed-earth construction with a floating copper roof that provides light throughout the entire space. Listed for $6.75 million, the soaring ceilings and retractable modern glass walls provide private, resort quality patios offering panoramic views of the golf course, mountain and Valley sunsets.

Next is a home whose unparalleled design and scale is compatible with any luxury lifestyle, incorporating the highest quality of materials, appliances and finishes in the Valley. Presented by Frank Aazami, the 12,000-square-foot masterpiece home located in Paradise Valley at 3700 East Camino Sin Nombre is listed for $5.69 million. Sitting on a 1.72-acre private corner lot, the cutting-edge custom home has been optimally situated to provide unobstructed views of Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak.

Shawn Chappel and Cheryl D’Anna have listed the 6,852-square-foot home at 41783 North 101st Way for $5.3 million. Designed by renowned architect David Hovey, the extensive use of floor to ceiling glass walls, honed aggregated concrete block and exposed beams define and accentuate the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The home is nestled about the 8th green of the Chiricahua golf course offering breathtaking golf course views bordered by ancient boulder outcroppings.

Relax, entertain and enjoy the finest of Scottsdale luxury living in this unrivaled home located at 12493 N 138th Place.  Presented by Laura Briggs, this one-of-a-kind Scottsdale retreat is 5,572-square-foot residence with 5-bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms is listed at $2.75 million. Combining smart-home technology with stunning modern architecture, this home included a cantilevered steel entry, impressive retractable glass wall and infinity poll that offers remarkable views of Camelback Mountain.