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Alexandra Baum

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Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Expands in Boston

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that its independently owned and operated affiliate, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty in Massachusetts, has acquired local firm, Benoit Mizner Simon & Co., which has achieved more than $4 billion in sales revenue since its inception. The company will now operate as Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty.

Boston is a region that continues to see tremendous growth year-over-year. Over the past 14 years, Larry, Paul and their team have achieved notable success and have provided unparalleled client service to the Boston area. We are proud to support the continued growth of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty.

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

The merger expands the firm’s presence in the Boston MetroWest residential real estate market. Co-owned and operated by Larry Rideout, chairman, and Paul McGann, president, of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, the acquisition expands the company’s footprint to include offices in Wellesley, Weston, Needham, and Sudbury, Massachusetts. Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty now has 22 offices and more than 350 independent sales associates.

“The acquisition marks a significant achievement for our firm and further increases our presence in the Boston area,” said Larry Rideout, chairman and co-owner of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty. “There is a continued demand for luxury and residential homes in our market and the right representation enables us to further drive the success of our agents.”

As part of the merger, principals Debi Benoit, Amy Mizner, and Sheryl Simon will join the company, uniting their esteemed local standing with the Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty firm’s premier reputation. The award-winning company brings their extensive experience and expertise in representing leading luxury properties across Dover, Natick, Needham, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, and Westwood.

With this addition, the Sotheby’s International Realty® network now has a total of 46 affiliated and company-owned offices throughout the state of Massachusetts.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 23,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in nearly 1,000 offices in 71 countries and territories worldwide. In 2018, the brand achieved a record global sales volume of $112 billion USD. Gibson 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.

January 17, 2020 by
Architecture, Business, Land and Lots, Real Estate

russ lyon sir appoints bret lamberson as flagstaff sales manager

We are pleased to announce Bret Lamberson has been named Office Sales Manager for the Flagstaff Office.

Lamberson has more than 14 years of experience in real estate in the state of Arizona. He began his time with the company in 2005 as a Real Estate Sales Associate. He continued work with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty through 2016 while he obtained a Juris Doctor degree at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, CA. With his legal presence in San Francisco, he handled important tasks defending against wrongful convictions, real estate disputes, and litigated deportation defense cases before the Department of Justice Immigration Court. Lamberson is also fluent in Spanish, which helps him with both his legal practices and his involvement in real estate investments in Central America.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Flagstaff office is home to more than 35 agents and serves one of the highest performing housing markets in Northern Arizona. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty proudly serves Northern Arizona communities such as Sedona, Flagstaff, and Prescott.

Although my passion for real estate took me to San Francisco, I have loved Flagstaff and the four corners region since out family came here almost 40 years ago. It has been a pleasure to return to a world class company like Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. My goal as an Office Sales Manager is to create the greatest impact possible in a community that has already been so great to me. I am optimistic to see what the future holds.

bret lamberson
January 15, 2020 by
Architecture, Automobile, Business, Real Estate

EVERY CAR NEEDS A HOME

Just in time for the Valley’s high-end car collector auctions Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, presents lavish homes with show-stopping garages for the automotive enthusiast.   

First stop on the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Garage Tour is a 6 bed and 9 bath home in the heart of Paradise Valley. Listed by agent Bob Hassett for $12,950,000 and located at 5021 E Arabian Way, this lavish estate boasts an opulent auto courtyard, with a lounge, that can hold up to 30 automobiles, an RV, golf cart, and has temperature control technology.  The state-of-the-art lighting and showrooms are perfect for the ultimate collection of luxury vehicles.

Next stop for the automotive aficionado is a privately gated property, located in Fountain Hills at 15647 N Cerro Alto Drive. Situated on 3.3 acres and listed at $3,000,000 by agent Frank Aazami, the 5 bed and 5.5 bath Tuscan estate also includes a 12-seat movie theater, 750 bottle wine cellar, and multiple pools with a grotto waterfall. However, do not miss the 8-car airconditioned garage with travertine flooring throughout. It is perfect for a year-round car-loving season!

Then head over to an artfully minded retreat on the top of Scottsdale Mountain. The Diamond House is listed by agent Laura Briggs for $3,200,000 and features 5 bed and 5.5 bath. Located at 12493 N 138th Place, this masterpiece designed by world-famous AIA architect, Gordon Rogers includes a 5-car top of the line garage to show off your one-of-a-kind car collection alongside a one-of-a-kind estate. Enjoy sweeping city views and city lights for miles while you relax, entertain, and enjoy the finest of Scottsdale living with your finest automobiles.

Next up is an entertainer’s dream home in Phoenix. The 6 bed and 8 bath property, listed by agent Wendy Mackenzie at $2,795,000, is in the prestigious Royal Palm Estates at 5134 E Palomino Road. Not only does the residence have impeccable views of Camelback Mountain and over an acre of land, it comes with a 4-car garage and 2-car detached garage, plus a workshop. The unparallel craftsmanship is the definition of luxury and comfort here in the Valley.

Continuing the garage tour head north to Cave Creek at 42401 N Spur Cross Road for a custom 5 bed 3.5 bath property listed at $1,250,000 by agent Stacy Paluscio. This oasis is a perfect retreat for any car enthusiast with a paved circular drive, built-in light system, 2 RV hookups, and a 6 car airconditioned garage. The double-walled construction and full solar panels aid to an energy-efficient home with utility bills falling under $50 a month. This is a rare and special find here in the Valley of the Sun.

For the final stop – car lovers can indulge in a 10 car garage beauty at 1111 N Quail Ridge Drive in Dewey Humboldt, AZ 86327. Listed for $1,490,000 by Nancy Read of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, this exquisite 8,634-square-foot Mediterranean Mansion features stunning hilltop views and luxury finishes throughout. With an open concept, the estate offers soaring ceilings, professional-grade kitchen with two dining areas, media room, wet bar, wine cellar, office. Extending from each of the 8 bedrooms are private courtyards offering balconies and more views.  There’s also a guest house and indoor gymnasium with basketball court set up, as well as a pool house with custom saltwater pool and spa, tennis, and 10+ car garage with RV space. An additional 12 acres plus adjacent commercial lot are also available.

January 11, 2020 by
Architecture, Business, Real Estate

Jorge De La Rosa sells arcadia home

Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate —  represented both the buyer and seller in the sale of Major League Baseball pitcher Jorge de la Rosa’s Scottsdale home.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents Bob Hassett and Lisa Westcott brokered the $1.85 million sale of De la Rosa’s 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home in the Arcadia area.

The sale was a very smooth cash transaction and Jorge and his wife were two of the nicest sellers I’ve had the pleasure of representing in my 33 years in the High-end luxury markets of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley

bob hassett

De la Rosa has pitched for the Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Chicago Cubs. The Scottsdale home totals 6,612 square feet and includes a rooftop patio, resort-style entertainment spaces and has French doors throughout.

My very discerning clients from California purchased this property because they wanted a luxury home near Old Town Scottsdale and the arts area

lisa westcott
January 9, 2020 by
Architecture, Business, Commercial Real Estate, Land and Lots, Multi Purpose, Real Estate

russ lyon sir lists sedona cultural park

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to offer one of the last and largest undeveloped pieces of land in Sedona.  The Sedona Cultural Park in Sedona, Arizona is truly the Gateway to West Sedona. This undeveloped property is approximately 40.9 acres and listed at $19,900,000.

Cultural Park has a premier location with unparalleled red rocks vistas, panoramic views, and sits against US Forest Service land on the west and north property boundaries. The property can be accessed from Highway 89A and Cultural Park Place and Arts Village Drive.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty real estate advisors Ed Pennington, Jeanette Sauer, and Tod Christensen are listing this one-of-a-kind property in America’s Most Beautiful City.

The Cultural Park is one of the largest undeveloped properties left in and around Sedona. Potential uses include housing, lodging, wellness village, a center of innovation, conference center, food service, retail, and other commercial uses.

Examples of approved uses for the property are outlined in the Sedona Community Plan update for the Western Gateway Community Focus Area City of Sedona. The City of Sedona would need to approve rezoning and land use. A copy can be provided to all interested parties.

“There’s nothing else left that comes close to this size. This is the last largest piece of land available in Sedona and it offers tremendous potential including unmatched views of the Sedona Red Rocks,” said Listing Agent Ed Pennington of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

15 Cultural Park Place is being sold separately at $1,750,000. This two-story commercial office building, Zoning C-1 offers 5,797-square-feet with three office suites. Suites 1 and 2 are on the top level and are of 2,016-square-feet and 2,479-square-feet, respectively, and Suite 3 is on the main floor and is 401 SF. There are restrooms and a 4,448-square-foot covered parking structure with 18 parking spots.

January 9, 2020 by
Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon sir appoints sherri monteith as manging broker of camelback tower offie

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce Sherri Monteith has been named Branch Manager for its Scottsdale Camelback Tower office.

Located in the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Camelback Tower office in Scottsdale has approximately 250 agents and serves the urban high-rises, gated golf course communities and intimate upscale family neighborhoods of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley that include communities like Biltmore and Arcadia.

Sherri Monteith’s 15-year tenure with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, her understanding the company’s history, traditions, integrity, combined with her leadership of the Scottsdale, Southeast Valley, Sedona, and Flagstaff offices were just some of the attributes that made her the best fit to lead the company’s high producing office.  

Since September, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has been seeking a new Branch Manager at the Camelback Tower office. Monteith stepped in during the transitionary period to fill this role after working with the Vice President of Operations Kevin Gonzalez. She assisted Gonzalez in the development and supervision of luxury agents while enhancing the client experience in the Pinnacle Peak and DC Ranch Market Street offices.  

“We’ve come a long way in the 15 plus years that I’ve been part of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family.  From starting as a front desk administrator to now leading this incredibly talented team of agents, I’m thrilled to be celebrating this incredible milestone and committed to continuing the tradition of values, high level of service and integrity that has made Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty the Valley leader in luxury real estate since 1947

Sherri monteith

“We couldn’t be more proud and grateful to Sherri for all her years of service to our company and the great clients we serve.  Over the years she has lead several of our key producing offices around the state, always raising the bar while keeping our integrity and values at the forefront.  Just in her short time leading the Camelback team Sherri has already brought tremendous value to our team of high producing agents and we are excited about the future ahead with Sherri taking the reins ,” said Todd Gillenwater, CEO of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.  

January 8, 2020 by
Business, Real Estate, Travel

Sotheby’s International Realty® Brand Expands Presence In Staten Island

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Laird Klein Realty in Staten Island, New York, is the newest member of its global network and will now operate as Laird Klein Sotheby’s International Realty.

Established in 2014, Laird Klein Sotheby’s International Realty is owned and operated by Laird Klein. The firm will serve the luxury and residential real estate markets in Staten Island, including Todt Hill, Emerson Hill and Grymes Hill.

The luxury residential real estate market in Staten Island continues to thrive and has experienced an increase of new developments and large estates in the region’s South Shore, which has shaped the area’s luxury market. Laird and his team bring 22 years of market experience and we are pleased to welcome Laird Klein Sotheby’s International Realty to our extensive global network.

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

“We pride ourselves on offering concierge-like service to each of our clients, regardless of price point,” said Klein. “The Sotheby’s International Realty® brand is the pinnacle in the real estate industry and aligning our company with its vast network enables us to further provide our associates with the tools they need to exceed industry standards and uphold a reputation of excellence.”

Laird Klein Sotheby’s International Realty has 14 sales associates and the company is actively involved in the community. The company consists of former board members for Staten Island’s Cultural Institutions Group, which comprises Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island Children’s Museum and the Staten Island Zoo.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has over 23,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in nearly 1,000 offices in 71 countries and territories worldwide. In 2018, the brand achieved a record global sales volume of $112 billion USD. Laird Klein 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.

December 4, 2019 by
Architecture, Business, Real Estate, Travel

Sotheby’s International Realty Expands California Presence

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Murray Real Estate, Inc. is the newest member of its global network and will now operate as Crest Sotheby’s International Realty. The addition marks the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand’s continued growth in the state of California. 

Owned and operated by Rob Murray, the firm will serve both the luxury and residential real estate market in Riverside, Inland Empire and Inland Orange County. 

Riverside is flourishing with three universities, a college and a growing technology industry, making it a prime area for growth. Rob has led a successful company for more than 30 years with a focus on demonstrating professionalism, integrity and innovation – attributes that are valued at the Sotheby’s International Realty brand – and we look forward to welcoming them to the network.

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

“The mission of Crest Sotheby’s International Realty is to deliver the highest level of service to our clients,” said Murray. “We focus on being progressive and innovative, and our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty helps us provide true international exposure for our clients and offers both agents and clients increased capabilities, tools and resources to achieve higher levels of success.” 

Crest Sotheby’s International Realty is located in Riverside with 35 sales associates. The company and its agents actively support the local community and are involved with the Riverside Chambers of Commerce, Leadership Riverside, and Riverside Community Hospital Board of Directors, in addition to a number of causes, including those dedicated to autism and breast cancer. The community was also selected as the new site for the California Air Resources Board, as well as a new University of California medical school. 

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 23,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in more than 1,000 offices in 71 countries and territories worldwide. In 2018, the brand achieved a record global sales volume of $112 billion USD. Crest 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. 

November 21, 2019 by
Inspiration

Arizona’s Natural Wonders and Hidden Gems

Troy Gillenwater knows a lot about hiking and the great outdoors.

Gillenwater is an experienced hiker and traveler. He knows the best hiking trails and experiences across Arizona as well as in the Valley and Scottsdale where Desert Mountain has some cool trails and leverages technology through an interactive trails guide that helps hikers find which trek is best for them.

Gillenwater says Arizona should be on every hikers’ bucket list especially the Grand Canyon.

Without a doubt, Grand Canyon hikes border on mystical experiences. The canyon’s overwhelming grandeur and volume of distance and space eons in the making, distill quite quickly what is and is not important in one’s life. Hiking in the canyon is humbling and invigorating at the same time. So many of us tend to take it for granted given that we live nearby, however, the Grand Canyon remains one of the seven natural wonders of the planet.

troy gillenwater
Troy at Ancient petroglyph panel near Arizona’s Painted Desert.

Like any good traveler or hiker, Gillenwater has his own bucket list of trails to explore and experience.

“To me, southwest Arizona is largely a great unknown. Vast, wide-open valleys and isolated mountain ranges that rise above the shimmer of mirage beckon to me. Mountain ranges with names like Eagletail, Harquahala, Castle Dome and Bucksin are difficult to resist,” Gillenwater said.

Gillenwater said he would also like to explore Nevada’s isolated and desolate mountain ranges. “Anymore I hunt for remote areas where the beauty is subtle, and the views are long I seek open space and solitude with the company of friends and brothers,” he said.

Closer to home, Gillenwater is a part of the Desperados. Those are members of the picturesque Desert Mountain community in north Scottsdale next to the 3 million-acre Tonto National Forest. The Desperados raised funds and resources to outfit Desert Mountain’s 18 miles of private hiking trails with an Interactive Trail Guide. That allows hikers to find the best experience for their skill and endurance levels via a 55-inch touch screen monitor at Desert Mountain’s trailhead. Hikers pick the best distance and experience and then can download a map and interactive guide.

Troy high atop Utah’s Kaiparowits Plateau.

“Desert Mountain’s Interactive Trail Guide allows the first-time visitor to select the best possible route for them. He or she, with a simple touch of the screen, can scan more than 30 routes based on distance, time, elevation gain and views to determine which hike is best for them,” Gillenwater said.

Gillenwater said Desert Mountain offers some of the least crowded and most visual hiking experiences in the Phoenix area that the trails are uncrowded, pristine and artfully routed wave through canyons, traverse saguaro-dotted slopes and crest lofty peaks to provide stunning panoramic views.

November 18, 2019 by
Architecture, Business, Real Estate

Power of the Brand – networking + referrals

Bekkah Herman knows how important networking and referrals can be in a competitive marketplace. Herman has also learned there is even more power when coupling her networking efforts with the power of a prestigious, luxury brand such as Sotheby’s International Realty.

Herman is an agent with the Southeast Valley office of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

She visited Los Angeles earlier this year with the sole intention of connecting with other Sotheby’s International Realty agents and tap into the referral market.

I used to live in Los Angeles and the cross over between Southern California to Arizona has rapidly increased over the years. Sotheby’s International Realty has such a strong luxury footprint in both markets, and our brand power gives us so much referral potential.

bekkah herman


While in Los Angeles, Bekkah Herman met with Satch Herrmann, an agent with Sotheby’s International Realty Westlake Village office.

The meeting and Bekkah Herman’s networking and referral efforts proved fruitful. She ended up representing a buyer referred to her by Satch Herrmann. The buyer recently closed in a $1.2 million sale in the Biltmore area of Phoenix.

“The Sotheby’s International Realty relocation department was great to work with. They were prompt and helpful throughout the entire process and keeping everyone in the loop of the deal’s status was as simple as filling out a short questionnaire,” Herman said.

Renee Merritt of the Merritt Group at the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Camelback Tower office who specializes in luxury properties, was the listing agent for the four-bedroom home in the gated Biltmore Greens subdivision. The high-end home has a resort-style backyard with two outdoor fireplaces, a pool and spa area and views of Piestewa Peak.

“From the networking and referral, to closing the deal, this luxury sale was all through Sotheby’s International Realty showing the power of our luxury brand,” Herman said.

“The power of the Sotheby’s International Realty network reveals itself in stories like this, real stories, that real agents, buyers and sellers make a reality all over the globe, every day. Very powerful,” said Todd Gillenwater, CEO of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

November 12, 2019 by