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Alexandra Baum

Iconic Estates

Iconic Estates Podcast: February 2026

Your Inside Look at Arizona Luxury Living

If you’re looking to own Arizona real estate—or planning a move within our beautiful state—this episode of ICONIC Estates is for you.

ICONIC Estates, presented by Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty, is the podcast for those who love Arizona and the opportunity to live in luxury amid the pristine desert landscape.

This Month’s Episode Highlights

Jared & Zander – Minima Homes
Jared and Zander join us to share how they’re bringing a fresh, modern perspective to building dream homes across Arizona. From thoughtful design choices to intentional craftsmanship, they offer an inside look at what it takes to create spaces that feel elevated, personal, and built to last.

Zane Belden – Managing Broker, Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty
Zane sits down with us to discuss the brand’s commitment to truly understanding each client—then delivering a white-glove experience from start to finish. He shares what sets the Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s approach apart, especially for buyers and sellers who value expertise, discretion, and exceptional service.

Lindsey Shoultes – Global Real Estate Advisor, Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty
We wrap with Lindsey for a deep dive into the explosive growth happening in Arizona’s West Valley—and what it means for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. She breaks down what’s driving demand, where opportunity is emerging, and how to navigate the market with confidence.

Why You’ll Love This Episode

From modern homebuilding and thoughtful design to white-glove representation—and a timely look at the West Valley’s rapid growth—this episode delivers a dynamic blend of lifestyle, expertise, and Arizona real estate insight. It’s a must-listen for anyone who loves the desert, the dream, and the people shaping what’s next.

Tune In Now!

Thanks for joining me today. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a conversation. And if you’d like to join our VIP list to receive the ICONIC Estates newsletter, visit russlyon.com or use the link in the show notes.

I’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to rate and review the podcast.

Extraordinary Property of the Week

Extraordinary Property of the Week: 10010 E Jenan Drive

Set within the coveted Cactus Corridor of Scottsdale, 10010 E Jenan Drive is a striking architectural statement—where modern design, precision craftsmanship, and the natural beauty of the desert converge in a home that feels both intentional and enduring.

From the moment you arrive, the residence reveals a sense of quiet distinction. Positioned on over an acre with a generous setback, the home offers a rare blend of privacy and openness, framed by expansive views of the McDowell Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape. The approach is understated yet purposeful, guiding you toward a home that feels as much like a work of architecture as it does a place to live.

Designed by architect Amit Upadhye and featured in leading design publications including Dwell and Phoenix Home & Garden, the home reflects a disciplined approach to form and scale—where every line, material, and proportion has been carefully considered.

Inside, the residence unfolds with a sense of light and clarity. Commercial-grade floor-to-ceiling glass invites the outdoors in, dissolving the boundary between interior and landscape while filling the home with natural light. The materials—poured-in-place concrete, block construction, wood, and stone—create a layered aesthetic that is both modern and grounded, delivering spaces that feel bold yet remarkably livable.

The living areas flow effortlessly, anchored by a design that balances openness with intention. At the heart of the home, the kitchen serves as both a functional centerpiece and a place of connection, seamlessly integrated into the surrounding spaces to support everything from quiet mornings to elevated entertaining.

With over 6,000 square feet, the home offers a thoughtful layout designed for both privacy and flexibility. The main residence features multiple bedrooms, a dedicated office, and a fitness or flex space, while a fully self-contained guest house—with its own kitchen, living area, and garage—provides an added level of independence for extended stays or multigenerational living.

Outdoors, the experience continues with a setting designed for both relaxation and recreation. A resort-style pool, expansive lawn, and ramada with fire feature create a backyard that feels both refined and versatile—offering space for entertaining, play, or quiet retreat under the Arizona sky.

Built in 2009 and set on 1.16 acres, the home represents a rare opportunity to own a published architectural residence within one of Scottsdale’s most desirable corridors—where design, scale, and setting come together in a way that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.

10010 E Jenan Drive is more than a home—it is a composition of form, light, and landscape, offering a lifestyle defined by modern design, privacy, and a deep connection to the desert that surrounds it.

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Stephen Katz

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 Stephen Katz to our Tucson Office.

Stephen Katz brings a rare blend of design sensibility, market expertise, and genuine client care to Tucson’s real estate landscape. With a well-honed eye for architectural detail and a deep appreciation for historically significant homes, Stephen approaches real estate not simply as a transaction—but as a deeply personal journey.

What truly sets Stephen apart is his commitment to his clients. Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions many people will ever make, and Stephen is driven by a desire to guide his clients through the process with clarity, confidence, and care. By listening closely to their needs and maintaining constant communication, he builds trust and relationships that extend well beyond the closing table.

Before transitioning into real estate, Stephen spent five years working under world-renowned interior designer and architect Jamie Bush, consistently ranked among Architectural Digest’s Top 100 designers. Under Jamie’s mentorship, Stephen refined his eye for design while building an extensive network of architects, craftsmen, and industry professionals—resources he now leverages to help clients fully realize their vision of home. That experience translated seamlessly into real estate, where Stephen quickly distinguished himself, earning his former brokerage’s highly coveted Rookie of the Year award as a top-producing new agent in his very first year.

Known for his calm, compassionate approach, Stephen is also a skilled negotiator with an unwavering work ethic and dedication to results. He balances thoughtful guidance with strategic advocacy, ensuring his clients feel supported while achieving the strongest possible outcomes.

Outside of real estate, Stephen is a dedicated foodie who enjoys exploring Tucson’s vibrant and ever-evolving culinary scene. He loves to travel, cheer on the University of Arizona, and give back through his support of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund—an organization committed to building advanced treatment centers for military personnel suffering from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress.

At the intersection of design, integrity, and market knowledge, Stephen Katz offers more than real estate expertise—he offers a trusted partnership, rooted in experience and driven by purpose.

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Marj Melchiors


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 Marj Melchiors to our Prescott Office.

Marj Melchiors has proudly called the Prescott area home since 1996, bringing nearly three decades of local insight to her work as a trusted real estate professional. With a career shaped by creativity, entrepreneurship, and strategic thinking, Marj offers clients a thoughtful, well-rounded approach to buying and selling homes.

Originally from Indiana, Marj earned her degree in Interior Design from Purdue University and began her professional journey in Albuquerque, where she worked closely with builders designing and decorating model homes. Her work earned industry recognition and awards, and it was during this time that her appreciation for real estate took root. Seeing how design, construction, and lifestyle intersect sparked a long-term vision of becoming a real estate agent herself.

In the late 1990s, Marj embraced entrepreneurship, launching an e-commerce business specializing in imported natural cosmetics. She successfully built one of the longest-running websites in its industry—still operating today and now managed by one of her daughters. This experience sharpened her marketing, negotiation, and client-service skills while reinforcing the importance of adaptability, consistency, and trust in business.

Driven to fulfill her long-standing goal, Marj obtained her Arizona real estate license in 2018 and quickly established herself as a top-producing agent. By seamlessly blending her background in interior design, business ownership, and real estate, she provides clients with a unique advantage—particularly when preparing homes for market or helping buyers envision a property’s full potential beyond its current state.

Marj approaches every transaction with care, creativity, and genuine enthusiasm. She finds true joy in guiding buyers and sellers through the process and is deeply committed to helping them achieve their real estate goals.

For those looking to buy or sell in the Prescott area, Marj Melchiors offers experience, insight, and a heartfelt dedication to helping clients find a place they are proud to call home.

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Grace Eversaul


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 Grace Eversaul to our Flagstaff Office.

Grace Eversaul understands why people are drawn to Flagstaff—because she came for the very same reason. Like many who find their way to this mountain town, Grace was seeking a place that felt grounded, adventurous, and deeply connected to nature. What began as a move quickly became home.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Grace grew up with real estate quietly shaping her perspective. Her father spent more than 20 years in the industry, and watching him navigate the business planted early seeds—learning how homes are more than properties; they are foundations for life’s next chapter.

While attending Western Washington University, Grace balanced academics with athletics, playing collegiate soccer while earning her degree in Outdoor Recreation Management and Leadership. During that time, she took on a project that would further define her outlook: converting a van into a livable home. That decision opened the door to months of travel across Oregon, California, Colorado, and throughout the West. Living small and traveling far taught her how to create a sense of home anywhere—and how to build something meaningful from the ground up.

Eventually, Flagstaff called her to stay.

For the past three and a half years, Grace has served the community as a local physical education teacher. In the classroom and on the field, she developed skills that translate seamlessly into real estate: patience, clear communication, adaptability, and the ability to guide people toward their goals. Teaching reinforced her belief that success comes from listening first, showing up consistently, and meeting people where they are.

Discipline has always been a throughline in Grace’s life. Whether training for trail races, competing on the soccer field, or navigating mountain living, she brings focus and follow-through to everything she does. Now, she brings that same work ethic to her role at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Grace approaches real estate as a partnership—kind, down-to-earth, and rooted in trust. She understands the grit it takes to live and thrive in a mountain town, from seasonal shifts to lifestyle priorities. Just as importantly, she knows the trails, neighborhoods, and rhythms of Flagstaff as both a local and an outdoor enthusiast.

For those looking to buy or sell in Northern Arizona, Grace offers more than market knowledge—she offers perspective, dedication, and a genuine appreciation for what makes this community special. If you’re searching for someone who understands both the terrain and the transaction, Grace Eversaul is ready to help you find your place to call home.

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Daniel Sotelo


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 Daniel Sotelo to our Tucson Office.

Daniel Sotelo is a Tucson native and a trusted real estate advisor known for his composed demeanor, strategic mindset, and unwavering discretion. He serves a highly discerning clientele—doctors, judges, and business professionals—who value intelligence, efficiency, and thoughtful guidance when buying or selling significant homes.

A graduate of the University of Arizona, Daniel’s professional foundation was shaped long before real estate. He began his career as a paramedic, an experience that required calm decision-making under pressure, precise execution, and the ability to manage complex situations where every detail mattered. Those skills remain central to his real estate practice today.

Licensed since 2015, Daniel has built a reputation as a consistent high producer by choice—not volume. He works with a select group of clients, delivering a process that is thorough, professional, and genuinely personal. His approach is measured yet decisive, ensuring that no detail lingers when timing is critical.

Daniel is especially recognized for his ability to see opportunity where others see complexity. He works quickly, communicates clearly, and navigates negotiations with confidence and restraint. Clients frequently describe him as calm, smart, and strategic—particularly during high-stakes decisions where clarity and discretion are essential.

His expertise spans luxury and architecturally significant homes, quiet listings, and lifestyle-driven real estate throughout Tucson’s most desirable enclaves, including Catalina Foothills, Oro Valley, Sabino Canyon, Ventana Canyon, and Dove Mountain. Daniel is highly skilled at positioning homes to resonate with sophisticated buyers while protecting privacy and maximizing long-term value.

Outside of real estate, Daniel has a deep appreciation for architecture, design, and the desert landscape. He believes that every move is about shaping a lifestyle—not just completing a transaction.

For clients seeking a steady hand, strategic insight, and refined representation in Southern Arizona, Daniel Sotelo offers a level of professionalism that inspires confidence from start to finish.

Extraordinary Property of the Week

Extraordinary Property of the Week: 37955 N 95th Way

Set along the 10th fairway of the Renegade Golf Course within the prestigious Desert Mountain community, 37955 N 95th Way is a refined expression of Southwest contemporary design—where desert elegance, privacy, and effortless livability come together in perfect balance.

From the moment you arrive, the home reveals a quiet sense of retreat. Positioned on just over an acre and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert, the residence feels both secluded and expansive. The setting is intentional, offering a rare combination of peaceful privacy and sweeping golf course views that anchor the experience from the very beginning.

Inside, the home unfolds with a sense of light and openness. Expansive living spaces are defined by soaring ceilings, dramatic stone accents, and carefully curated details that create both warmth and scale. The design flows effortlessly, allowing each space to transition naturally into the next, supporting both intimate living and elevated entertaining.

At the heart of the residence, the kitchen serves as both a functional centerpiece and a place of connection. Outfitted with premium appliances and generous prep space, it is complemented by a well-appointed wet bar—creating an environment designed for hosting, gathering, and enjoying everyday moments with ease.

The home continues to reveal thoughtful comfort and versatility. With five bedrooms, each featuring its own en suite bath, the layout offers a level of privacy and convenience that is both rare and highly functional. The primary suite serves as a true retreat, complete with a spa-inspired bath, steam shower, and soaking tub—designed to elevate daily living into a restorative experience.

Outdoors, the property transforms into a private resort. A negative-edge pool and spa, built-in barbecue, and multiple gathering areas create a seamless extension of the interior spaces. Here, the surrounding desert and golf course views become part of daily life—where mornings begin with soft light across the fairway and evenings are defined by quiet skies and desert stillness.

Spanning approximately 5,600 square feet and positioned within one of Scottsdale’s most coveted guard-gated communities, the home also offers access to Desert Mountain’s world-class lifestyle, with a golf membership available for those seeking an elevated living experience.

37955 N 95th Way is more than a home—it is a retreat defined by design, setting, and the quiet luxury of space, offering a rare opportunity to experience Desert Mountain living at its most refined.

Uncategorized

Momentum Into the New Year: January Strength at The Phoenician

January often signals a reset—a return to focus, momentum, and decisive action. At Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, January 2026 opened not quietly, but with conviction, as the Scottsdale luxury market continued its strong pace at one of Arizona’s most iconic residential destinations: Camelback Tower at The Phoenician.

Rather than a pause after the holidays, the new year brought clarity and confidence. Buyers entered the market prepared, sellers remained well-positioned, and the strength of expert representation once again proved essential in facilitating high-caliber transactions within one of Scottsdale’s most coveted enclaves.

Throughout January 2026, Camelback Tower experienced a remarkable 22 closed transactions, underscoring sustained demand at the highest levels of the market. Sales ranged from approximately $2.04 million to just under $5 million, with closings occurring steadily from January 6 through January 26—a compelling demonstration that momentum in the luxury sector carried seamlessly into the new year.

These transactions were guided by a highly experienced team of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty advisors, including Leslie Jenkins, Joe Bushong, Grant Almquist, Chad Christian, Karina Rodriguez, Dave Purpora, and Beth Spivey. Their continued presence within Camelback Tower reflects the depth of market knowledge, strategic insight, and trusted relationships required to navigate one of Scottsdale’s most elite residential offerings.

January 2026 Camelback Tower Closings:

  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | A401
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B202
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | A204
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B208
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B204
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B102
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B308
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B304
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B203
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B305
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B106
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B401
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B101
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B405
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B404
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B103
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B406
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B402
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B301
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B205
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B408
  • 4849 N Camelback Ridge Road | B108

As 2026 gains momentum, January’s performance sends a clear signal: Scottsdale’s luxury real estate market remains active, resilient, and opportunity-rich—particularly in premier lifestyle destinations like The Phoenician.

At Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, we are proud to represent discerning buyers and sellers at the forefront of Arizona’s luxury market—setting the tone for the year ahead, one exceptional closing at a time.

Uncategorized

First Time Sales: January 2026

Across the state of Arizona, real estate agents achieve significant milestones in their careers every month. This January, we are proud to have been part of these REALTORS’ first sales as Global Real Estate Advisors with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty!

Enjoy!

26142 N 121st Avenue | Peoria
1st Sale
Sold for $480,000
Seller Representation: Adriana Opris
6231 E Mark Way 33 | Cave Creek
1st Sale
Sold for $685,000
Buyer Representation: Maggie Ellis
13110 W Avenida Del Rey | Peoria
1st Sale
Sold for $464,000
Buyer Representation: Jaye Alvarez
13177 E Apex Mine Way | Tucson
1st Sale
Sold for $345,000
Seller Representation: Skyla Sweeney
1998 Stagg Run | Overgaard
1st Sale
Sold for $265,000
Buyer Representation: Georgina Bowman
125 S 91st Way 47 | Mesa, AZ 85208
1st Sale
Sold for $258,500
Seller Representation: Kalyn Lowery
30505 N Sage Dr | Peoria, AZ 85383
1st Sale
Sold for $2,450,000
Seller Representation: Valle Wilkinson