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Business, Entertainment, Inspiration, Real Estate, Russ Lyon

Russ Lyon SIR Agents and Teams Ranked With America’s Best for Arizona

America’s Best Real Estate Professionals honors America’s finest real estate agents from all across the country! Nearly 14,500 U.S. real estate sales associates from every state are featured in America’s Best. Those ranked are among the top 1.5% of 1.4 million real estate professionals in the United States!

The prestigious real estate list honors the top residential real agents and teams statewide based on sales volume and transactions. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty teams and agents rank high throughout the much-watched list.

We are immensely proud of all our agents. They are the best in the business and have relentless passion for serving our highly discerning clients. Our showing in Real Trends / Tom Ferry America’s Best for Arizona ranking is testament to what sets our agents above and apart.
Todd GIllenwater, CEO

2020 INDIVIDUALS BY TRANSACTION SIDES Lori Reiland (40) Lisa Roberts (59) Gary Brasher (65)

2020 INDIVIDUALS BY VOLUME Johnathon DeYoung (6) Lisa Roberts (9) Michael Johnson (15) Cheryl Anderson (21) Tami Henderson (24) Cionne McCarthy (35) Susanne Grogan (38) Josie Pakula (39) Lori Reiland (57)

2020 SMALL TEAMS BY VOLUME Power of 4 (2) Luxury Property Group (3) Wolski Gillenwater O’Keefe (4) Bushong, Christian, Almquist (6) Pellegrini & DeGeorge (7) Lucky Team (8) The Team 4 Results (9) The MacDonald Team (13) The W Group (18) Reeds and Doyle (19) O’Leary Luxury Group (26) Fitzgerald Luxury Group (29) The Marshall Brothers (31) Sertich Group (40) Cashman Partners (41) Elevating Luxury Properties (42)

2020 SMALL TEAMS BY TRANSACTION SIDES Pellegrini & DeGeorge (10) Lucky Team (29)

2020 MEDIUM TEAMS BY VOLUME Reisdorf Metz & Partners (22) The Ashcraft team (25)

2020 LARGE TEAMS BY VOLUME Private Client Group (4)

2020 LARGE TEAMS BY TRANSACTION SIDES Private Client Group (21)

June 29, 2020 by Alexandra Baum

Architecture, Art, Business, Commercial Architecture, Commercial Real Estate, Entertainment, Equestrian, Fitness, Inspiration, Multi Purpose, Real Estate

Historic Retreat and Two Inns in Tubac For Sale and Presented by Russ Lyon SIR

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to present the historic 75-acre Kenyon Ranch retreat as well as the Tubac Country Inn and Amado Territory Bed & Breakfast for sale in and around the historic village of Tubac south of Tucson.

The village was established in 1752 and is considered the place where history and art meet. It is home to many shops, museums, and galleries as well as many neighborhoods and the Tubac Golf Resort.

Russ Lyon Sotheby International Realty Real Estate Advisors Catherine Marrero and Gary Brasher are excited to present Kenyon Ranch. The historic property was built in 1936 as a dude ranch and has most recently operated as a retreat with 17 guest casitas and 4 stand-alone homes. The 75-acre property features a 4,399-square-foot main house with a commercial kitchen and large dining room. Kenyon Ranch is listed for $2.6 million. It is located at 80 Kenyon Ranch Road, Tubac, Arizona 85646.

Kenyon Ranch has been one of the most important historical properties in Tubac. The retreat has wonderful panoramic views and amazing sunsets. It also features a 2,000 square foot lodge which is suitable for group events. All furniture, fixtures, and equipment to run facility are included in sale. Kenyon Ranch also has massage rooms, three private wells, a pool, hot tub, and horse facilities.
Cathy Marrero, Real Estate Advisor

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Real Estate Advisors Bob Prigmore and Gary Brasher are also presenting the Amado Territory Bed & Breakfast at The Amado Territory Rancb near Tubac. The property has visibility from Interstate 19 and features an additional 3.84-acre developable lot. The B&B and ranch has 9 guest rooms each with a private bath as well as a manager’s apartment. The property is listed for $1.25 million and is located at 3001 Frontage Road, Amado, Arizona 85645.

This is a gorgeous one-of-a-kind property with a light-filled Arizona room. It is close to the artist’s village of Tubac and a great starting place to explore southern Arizona
Bob Prigmore, real estate advisor

Gary Brasher is also honored to present the Tubac Country Inn. The five-room inn is in the center of the historic village and is listed for $995,000. The property has five rooms, one of which can accommodate the owner. It was built in 1987 and is near the 27-hole Tubac Golf Resort and Spa and the Presidio State Historic Park. The property is located at 13 Burruel Street, Tubac, Arizona 85646.

“The Tubac Country Inn is in the center of the arts community and has a proven track record and can generate a stable return on investment. This is a turnkey operation and is ready for a buyer to purchase and start operating immediately
Gary Brasher, Managing Broker

June 16, 2020 by Alexandra Baum

Education, Entertainment, Fitness, Inspiration

Fresh Air | 5 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors Safely

with Sotheby’s Internationa Realty

Spring is in full effect in the northern hemisphere and as restrictions on some outdoor spaces begin to lift, here are five ways you can enjoy some much-needed sunshine and fresh air while practicing safe social distancing guidelines.

Practice Cleanliness

First and foremost, take care of yourself and the members of your household. While some of the heavier restrictions are being lifted, it’s still important to make sure that you stay up to date with CDC guidelines and ensure that you’re washing your hands frequently and wearing a face covering when in public spaces – even while outside.

Just Get Outside

It’s no secret that sunshine offers many health benefits – the good news is that you don’t have to go far to get it. Carve out a part of each day to get outside, even if it’s an hour on your patio, yard or doorstep to get that all-important boost of vitamin D. Enjoying the sunshine doesn’t have to be complicated; if social distancing guidelines in your area permit, take a walk by yourself or with members of your household.

Camping in Your Backyard

You can take your family on a camping adventure in your own backyard. Set up a tent, have a bonfire, roast some marshmallows and tell campfire stories. Try leaving cellphones and other electronics in the house for a truly authentic camping experience.

Go for a Hike

Some trails and parks are beginning to reopen their gates, which means you can lace up your hiking boots and get back into nature. The National Recreation and Park Association offers some guidance like warning other trail users of your presence, allowing proper space or stepping off trails as you pass others, and keeping the recommended distance at all times. Check out our Arizona’s Natural Wonders and Hiddem Gems blog post for information on Arizona hiking.

A Bicycle Built for You

Similar to hiking or going for a walk, you can get on your bike and go for a ride alone or with members of your household. It’s important to avoid congested routes so consider riding at off-peak hours, try new paths, and don’t be discouraged if you have to alter your route to find a less crowded path.

June 7, 2020 by Alexandra Baum

Art, Business, Community, COVID-19, Entertainment, Inspiration, Real Estate

Russ Lyon Charitable Foundation Partners with Arizona Association of REALTORS to Sell T-Shirts and Raise Funds to Benefit Arizona Housing Fund

The Love Your Neighbor T-Shirt Sales Start Monday, May 4^th

The Russ Lyon Charitable Foundation, a subsidiary of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, is partnering with the Arizona Association of REALTORS to raise money for the Arizona Housing Fund. The sales start Monday, May 4^th, and only runs through Monday, May 18^th, 2020.

The Love Your Neighbor t-shirts are being produced by local Tempe business Anton Sport and just $20.

They are available online at https://russlyon.antonsport.com/russlyon/shop/home.

All the proceeds benefit the AZ Housing Fund. The Arizona Housing (AZHF) is a dedicated and sustainable revenue source that grants funding to the nonprofit agencies that build and operate Permanent Supportive, Low-Income and Working Poor Housing. Its equity grants will enable more housing units to be constructed, meeting the growing needs of our communities in Arizona with the goal of reducing homelessness.

For every shirt or onesie ordered the Russ Lyon Charitable Foundation will donate $10 to the Arizona Housing Fund.

There has never been a more important time for everyone to come together and support the Arizona Housing Fund. This foundation gives families a fighting chance to stay in their homes and helps others find housing.
Betsy Dickinson, president of the russ lyon charitable foundation

May 4, 2020 by Alexandra Baum

Business, Entertainment, Inspiration, Life, Real Estate, Residential Architecture, Residential Real Estate, Technology, Working From Home

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Helps Arizona Cardinals’ Kliff Kingsbury Win The Internet and Social Media With His Luxury Home / Ultimate NFL Draft War Room

Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury won the internet on the first night of the NFL Draft with a shot of him in his own personal, luxurious and one-of-a-kind war room at his Paradise Valley home. The shot of Kingsbury in his luxury and very contemporary home was posted by the Cardinals on social media and garnered tons of attention during the NFL Draft.

Photo from the Arizona Cardinals Twitter Account

Lisa Roberts helped Kingsbury find the home when he was hired by the Cardinals last year.

I previewed hundreds of homes online and about 40 homes in person prior to showing him top properties. This was new construction and checked all the boxes as far as amenities go – views, backyard, and the quality he was searching for. We made a few changes after close including a movie theatre room so he can watch back plays. Certainly, this is coming in handy now that we are in quarantine!
lisa roberts

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has exclusive listings across Arizona for discerning buyers who want their own high-end and personal ‘war rooms’ and living spaces that redefine luxury. Here is a sampling.

A room filled with furniture and a fireplace

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Debbie Negrin and Jay Pennypacker offers a world-class home under Pinnacle Peak. The estate at 10199 East Cavedale Drive 249, Scottsdale Arizona 85262 totals 12,971 square feet and includes 6 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. The home has a home theater and media room, can accommodate 25 televisions, a game room, saloon-style bar, luxury man cave and a 30-foot wall of curved glass door to access the Scottsdale property’s outdoor spaces. This one-of-a-kind home is being listed for $6.2 million.

In Sedona, Ed Pennington is honored to list a contemporary gem with incredible Red Rocks views. The golf course property at 1296 Verde Valley Road School Road, Sedona, Arizona 86531 totals 6,370 square feet and is listed for $5 million. Contemporary artwork and sculptures are included in the home which sits on the Oak Creek Country Club Golf Course. This oasis features a home theater and plenty outdoor spaces to relax and entertain.

Josie Pakula and Racquel Miller are excited to present 7328 W Brookhart Way, Peoria, Arizona 85383. The 7,462-square-foot home backs to and has unparalleled mountain views. The 5-bedroom, 7.5-bath luxury property also features an outdoor kitchen and entertaining spaces and a resort-style backyard to enjoy games. The Peoria home is listed for $2.69 million.

Cheryl Anderson and Jeff Anderson are presenting 4901 East Tomahawk Trail, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253 for $3.85 million. This European inspired 7,758-square-foot-home has 6 bedrooms, 8 baths as well as a home theater, lush gardens and a wine room.

Some of the luxury homes (and war rooms) are contemporary and sleek while others are more historic and iconic.

Marta Harvey and Dawn Jacobs are excited to present Hacienda Escondida, a one-of-a-kind luxury property in Oro Valley northwest of Tucson. The private estate sits on 4.6 acres and was first built in 1943. The property has been transformed by award-winning architect Clay Scrivner. The home features iconic views, resort style pool and spa as well as studioand workshopspace for artists. The estate has an outdoor kitchen and shaded verandas. The 6-bedroom, 8-bathroom, 6,659-square-foot estate is listed for $2.795 million. The homeis located at 630 West Calle Concordia, Oro Valley, Arizona 85704.

Jennifer McMahon and Lee Borst are presenting a Santa Fe style elegance with the 5,814-square-foot home at 1341 Sierry Peaks Drive, Prescott, Arizona 86305. The home is listed for $1.3 million and feature expansive entertainment space and breathtaking views of Thumb Butte.

April 24, 2020 by Alexandra Baum

Entertainment, Inspiration, Multi Purpose, Responsive, Sports

5 WAYS TO STAY FIT AT HOME

by Sotheby’s International Realty

It’s long been known that being sedentary is linked to chronic disease; with many around the world working from home and gyms temporarily closed, it’s easy for even those who previously led a very active lifestyle to slide into one much less so. Here are five ways to keep moving and stay fit, right from the comfort of your own home.

There’s an App for That

Fitness and mobile or wearable devices have gone hand-in-hand for quite some time now – with apps like LoseIt, Johnson & Johnson’s 7-Minute Workout, and countless others in both the App Store and Google Play Store, there are plenty of apps to help you manage your caloric intake, inspire you with workout routines, and more.

The Social Media Challenge

It can be hard to stay motivated on your own – especially if you’re accustomed to feeding off the energy that a gym or class can provide. Just because you’re removed from that environment doesn’t mean you have to disconnect. Take for instance the #pushupchallenge on Instagram; film yourself doing pushups and tag friends to challenge them and keep them moving. Get creative and start your own challenge! There’s nothing wrong with some healthy competition.

Go Virtual

Companies like Peloton, Mirror, and now SoulCycle are ready to bring the full-body workout into your living room with their in-home equipment and subscription-based models that offer live and on-demand classes to best fit your needs. If you prefer a little more Zen with your workout, CorePower Yoga is also offering free access to their OnDemand service while their studios are closed.

Try Something New

Listlessness and boredom can be the doom of any fitness routine – especially if you feel your options are limited. Now is the time to try something new. Try a type of workout outside of your comfort zone; gamify your fitness with the likes of Nintendo’s Ring Fit or even Just Dance – and speaking of dance – why don’t you take a free virtual dance class? The Ballet Coach is offering live and OnDemand classes for kids and adults through her Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels.

Think Outside the Living Room

Even with social distancing and shelter-in-place guidelines in effect, ducking outside for a solo run or hike is a viable solution for your fitness fix. When the weather is right, your body will thank you for the much-needed sunshine and fresh air.

April 15, 2020 by Alexandra Baum

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.