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Architecture, Business, COVID-19, Entertainment, Fitness, Life, Multi Purpose, Real Estate

Homegating 2020

With attendance at sports events on hold, “home-gating” is the new tailgating and no one effortlessly combines outdoor entertaining with luxury-living like Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate presents its most lavish top “home-gating” properties.   Six reasons that make “home-gating” the new alternative to traditional tailgating in 2020.   

The first stop on the exclusive “home-gating” tour is a 5 bed 7.5 bath one-level home in Desert Mountain. Located at 42725 N 102nd St, this property is listed at $10,999,999 by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Tami Henderson. Dissappearing Glass Walls between the backyard and the kitchen, dining, and living rooms along with a 25-meter infinity pool, rainfall water feature and linear fire pit will keep guests entertained for hours at this exquiste estate that spares no expense on its grandeur and awe-factor. 

Next on the tour head north to Flagstaff, Arizona for a rare and beautifully built Dennis Dixon home that sits on 2.23 tree covered acres.  Offering the ideal outdoor space for entertaining, the home is located at 1485 Tolchaco Rd.  The 5 bed 4.5 bath home is listed at $1,600,00 by Agent’s Valerie Core, and Freddi Paulsrud of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and boasts a full bar with an abundance of outdoor entertainment space for guests. From the moment guests walk through the grand archway, they will be greeted with soaring 19-foot ceilings on their way to one of many entertainment spaces, including a private guest retreat. 

The third stop on the “home-gating” tour takes us to Tucson for a Santa Barabara style home. The 3 bed 3 bath home, listed at $1,595,000 by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Susanne Grogan, boasts an a generous Chef’s kitchen that includes Quartz counters and a full butler’s pantry for the ultimate“home-gate.” Located at 2255 E Ambassador Ct., the home also includes sprawling entertaining spaces outside  with a covered outdoor seating and built-in BBQ that opens to the dining area and kitchen, allowing for inside-outside entertainment space. 

Back in the Valley, the fourth stop on the tour on showcases at an exquisite Spanish Colonia Candelaria designed estate in Paradise Valley. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Michel Edery is offering this grand estate at 5239 E Roadrunner Rd for $3,000,000. Among the other jaw dropping amenities, the 7 bed 6.5 bath estate offers the ultimate rooftop “home-gating” experience. Sports fans can enjoy the breathtaking nearby mountain views by while enjoying a full kitchen and bar setting under the stars.  There’s also an adjacent home theatre when ready to head indoors.

Host the “home-gate” of your dreams at 23035 N Church Rd in Scottsdale. The 7 bed 10 bath estate sits on over 8 acres with an array of outdoor entertainment. Listed at $7,299,000 by agents, Frank Aazami and David Mayo of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, the secluded estate is home to fire pits, an outdoor tennis court, pools, and a full outdoor kitchen and BBQ. Be the envy of all “home-gaters” at this exquisite property.  After watching the big game, guests can also head to the wine room for a 2006 Bordeaux or take a break at the putting green, and relax in the steam shower. 

The final stop on the tour brings us to 19042 N 102nd St, a 4 bed 7.5 bath Bing Hu designed Custom Home in Scottsdale. Listed at $5,900,000 by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Chey Castro this high-end estate can host a variety of “home-gates”. Whether in the movie theater, or in the luxurious outside seating area, enjoy a breath-taking upstairs bar that opens to a 1,000-square-feet of covered patio space with a fireplace and incredible views of the city lights. 

View more homes to homegate at here

October 16, 2020 by
Business, Education, Entertainment, Inspiration, Life

Jeff Fields Wins National Award for Preventing Teen Suicide

The National Association of Realtors® today announced Jeff Fields, with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in Scottsdale, as one its five 2020 Good Neighbor Award winners. As a volunteer and past board president of nonprofit Teen Lifeline, Fields has served more than 28,000 youth through a peer-to-peer teen crisis hotline while providing community education on suicide prevention.

NAR’s Good Neighbor Awards honor 10 Realtors® annually for making an extraordinary impact on their communities through volunteer work. Over the past 21 years, the Good Neighbor Awards program has awarded nearly $1.4 million in grants to more than 200 Realtor®-led nonprofits. Their impact has been felt in 40 states, 15 countries and in Puerto Rico. 

Our Good Neighbor Award winners leave a remarkable impact on their communities every year, but everything these Realtors® have done in 2020 is even more impressive and more commendable. I am proud to honor Jeff Fields for dedicating his time and passion to giving hope to teens who had none.” 

NAR President Vince Malta, broker at Malta & Co., Inc., in San Francisco, Calif.

Fields became passionate about saving teens from what he calls “the most preventable death” after losing several friends to suicide. To read his full story, go to magazine.realtor/JeffFields.   

With the award, Fields will receive a $10,000 grant for his charity and will be featured in the November-December issue of Realtor® Magazine. In lieu of the traditional ceremony held every year at the REALTORS® Conference and Expo, each winner will also be honored by their local Realtor® associations over the coming months. 

October 7, 2020 by
Art, Business, COVID-19, Entertainment, Life

PUMPKIN PATCHES in Arizona

Many of your favorite pumpkin patches and corn mazes are open this fall amid the COVID-19 pandemic and you can still hunt for your favorite pumpkin for your decorating and carving goals.

  • Vertuccio Farms – “Your Destination for Farm-Friendly, Family Fun”
    • Located at 4011 S Power Road, Mesa, Arizona
    • The corn maze is open from October 1st to November 1st.
    • Monday-Thursday 9am – 9pm
    • Friday-Saturday 9am – 10pm
    • Sunday 10am – 6pm
  • Schnepf Farms – Pumpkin and Chili Party
    • 24810 S Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek, Arizona
    • Open from October 1st to November 1st.
    • Thursdays –  1:00pm – 9:00pm
    • Fridays –  10:00am – 10:00pm (Mask Required from 10am-2pm) 
    • Saturdays – 10:00am -10:00pm
    • Sundays – 10:00am – 9:00pm
  • Mother Nature’s Farm– Brooke’s Pumpkin Patch
    • 1663 E. Baseline Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85233
    • September 26th – October 31st
    • Monday – Sunday 9AM to 9PM
  • Macdonald’s Ranch
    • 26540 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona
    • October 3rd – November 1st
    • 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
    • Closed on Tuesdays
  • Tolmachoff Farms – Pumpkin Days and Corn Maze
    • 5726 N. 75th Avenue, Glendale, Arizona
    • Open from October 1st to November 1st
    • Monday & Tuesday closed 
    • Wednesday – Thursday 12:00 noon – 8:00 pm 
    • Friday 12:00 noon – 11:00 pm 
    • Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm 
    • Sunday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm 
  • Pumpkin Nights – At the Princess
    • 7575 East Princess Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona 
    • Open from September 17 – October 31
    • Sept. 17 – Oct. 4 | Thursday-Sunday Nights 
    • Oct. 7 – 11 | Wednesday-Sunday Nights
    • Oct. 14 – 31 | Nightly
    • Weekdays | 5 – 10 PM
    • Sat. & Sun. | 4 – 10 PM
  • Halloween Town AZ – Pumpkin Patch
    • 4568 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032
    • October 22-31, 2020
    • Thursdays & Fridays, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
    • Saturdays & Sundays, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
  • Mortimer Farms – Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
    • 12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey, AZ
    • September 18th – November 1st
    • 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Marana Pumpkin Patch – Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
    • 12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey, AZ
    • October 3rd – October 31st
    • Closed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
    • Thursday and Friday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    • Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
October 1, 2020 by
Business, Life, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Jennifer Courtney

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, Jennifer Courtney, to the Camelback Tower office.  Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Real Estate Advisors 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. 

Born and raised in Kansas City, Jennifer Courtney takes pride in combining her midwest roots with her adaptation to the sunny southwest. With an unrivaled work ethic and pursuit for greatness, Jennifer received her formal education from the University of Kansas, with a degree in Medical Laboratory Science. 

An avid animal lover, Jennifer takes great pride in her two Japanese Chins, Jerry and Apple. 

Having relocated to Scottsdale 11 years ago, Jennifer has made luxury residential real estate her passion. A love of her community, mixed with her desire for sharing her knowledge of the area and her love of the unique desert landscape make Jennifer an obvious choice for your real estate goals and ambitions. With a background of over 10 years in the medical field, Jennifer has a desire for not only helping others, but for the details that are involved. No stone left unturned, each transaction will be carefully planned out and her clients will always be educated about their options. Jennifer is an excellent choice to guide you through what is likely to be the biggest transaction of your life. Her savviness of technology, mixed with her genuinely caring personality, make her the ideal candidate to represent you.

Jennifer’s confidence and ingenuity make her a natural for this business.Her passion for helping clients and attention to detail is evident. We look forward to the next stages of her career now that she’s partnered with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Sherri monteith, Managing Broker
July 30, 2020 by
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. 

July 14, 2020 by
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.

July 12, 2020 by
Art, Audio, Business, Entertainment, Life, Multi Purpose, Music, Technology, Working From Home

Reel Life: 5 Ways to Bring the Theatre Experience Home

with Sotheby’s International Realty

By now, many of us have gone through many different phases while adapting to a “new normal” and we might be feeling seemingly more adjusted to our current reality. We’ve discussed finding creative ways to stay fit and ways to broaden our personal skillsets, and now we want to shift gears and offer suggestions for you to sit back and relax with your family. Here are five ways to enjoy culture and the arts from the comfort of our couches.

Get the Latest Release

Even with major theater chains around the world closing their doors and many film studios pushing back the release of blockbuster films, there are still many new movies that have seen earlier-than-expected digital releases – or in the case of Universal Picture’s “Trolls: World Tour” –  skipped a theatrical release altogether. Grab a seat, open up your favorite on-demand video service and enjoy these newly released films.

The Brightest Lights of Broadway

The energy of attending a live stage production is difficult to replicate, but with lights temporarily darkened on Broadway and other theater districts, BroadwayHD is streaming hundreds of shows for your theater-going pleasure. From “Cats” and “Phantom of the Opera,” to the “King and I” and “Driving Miss Daisy,” take in some incredible performances of world-famous shows.

Sit in the Front Row

If stage productions or films aren’t what you’re looking for, you can always take a virtual front row seat at a concert. Billboard has an ever-expanding list of livestreams and concerts  streaming directly to your TV or mobile device. It’s also a great time to see what your favorite artists are up to on platforms like YouTube for rare and intimate performances from their personal spaces.

Upgrade Your Equipment

Now more than ever, you may begin to realize that your TV or sound system could use a refresh. Take a moment to visit the Wirecutter and browse recommendations for ways to spruce up your multimedia experience. Sometimes even simple and low-cost updates can yield fruitful results in making your living room feel more like a theater or event venue. 

Don’t Forget the Snacks

Whether it’s a movie in a standard cinema, an elevated dine-in, drinks during intermission or in between sets, the food and drink at a theater helps complete the experience. With food delivery services like Doordash, GrubHub, Amazon’s Whole Foods delivery and more – you can round out your virtual viewing with the same snacks you normally would to help make it feel more “real.”

It’s important to keep doing the things that you enjoy – even if you have to find new ways to do them while staying safely at home. Is there something else you’re doing to bring the theater home? Let us know in the comments and remember, we’re all in this together.

June 27, 2020 by
Business, COVID-19, Education, Life, Stress, Technology, Working From Home

5 Ways to Balance Working From Home and Homeschooling

by Sotheby’s International Realty

During the course of a typical day, parents juggle many tasks between home and work. These unprecedented times have parents stretched further than before—adding homeschooling to their long list of roles. As we all work through this new reality together, here are five ways to help manage your child’s educational needs while also working from home.

Set a Schedule

Whether your child is in pre-school or high school, they’re no doubt accustomed to being on a schedule inside the walls of their school – and there are benefits from that. Write the day’s schedule in a highly visible and highly trafficked place or use devices powered by Alexa or Google to set reminders. Among other things, this sets clear expectations for what can be expected for the day.

Take Breaks

Every household will be different – just like every child. It’s important to tailor your schedule and workload to what works for your family. That being said, everyone needs breaks. Grab a snack, cup of coffee or a breath of fresh air with your child to break up your day; enjoy the quality time. Studies show that taking breaks help our brains perform better.

Lean on Virtual Assistance

Managing screen time is a point of contention when it comes to the age of your child and how often they’re on their phone/tablet, but in these times it’s important to get help from where you can. Let people like renowned children’s author and artist Mo Willems teach art class, let celebrities handle story time, or call on Les Mills to proctor gym class. There are also a plethora of worksheets available from places like Lakeshore to keep the activities going while you get some work done.

Mix it Up

Schedules and a catalog of resources are great, but variety will keep your learners engaged d and stave off the much-maligned sentiment of, “I’m bored.” Talk to your child and determine what’s working – and what’s not – before venturing out of comfort zones. Is your child an avid reader? Try Oxford Owl to foster some alone-time with an age-tailored story. Looking for a more hands-on task? Make organizing socks, toys, pencils, or the pantry into a game.

Lower Expectations

At the end of the day, you have to do what’s best for you and your family and that means you can’t guarantee anything. Don’t live in a world of absolutes – if a schedule that has treated you well falls apart for a few days, don’t fret; staying flexible will keep both you and your child more content in the long run.

We are not the experts here – we’re all in this together. Learn more about succeeding at this balancing act from Money, The Atlantic, and the BBC. Share what’s working for you in the comments.

April 26, 2020 by
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 Description automatically generated

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
Business, Fitness, Life, Real Estate, Sports

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Angela Davis

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, Angela Davis, 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. 

Angela Davis’s passion for Real Estate started in Wyoming, where she grew up.  In 2004, Angela’s family moved to Flagstaff, AZ, where she is blessed to call home to this day. Flagstaff brought Angela new adventures, as she had the pleasure of working as an Executive Assistant for Coca-Cola and Pepsi while continuing her interest in coaching as the director and owner of the Northern AZ Juniors Volleyball Club.  

Despite many moves in Angela’s life, her real constants have always been a strong devotion to family, friends, and a healthy competitive environment. Growing up a coach’s kid, Angela knows what hard work, dedication, and success looks like and will use that same mentality in all facets of her real estate knowledge. 

Her choice to reignite my passion for Real Estate shows her devotion to the Flagstaff community and its residents. Flagstaff is a unique and dynamic market that takes knowledge and experience to understand. With her involvement in the NAU Skyjacks, Northern AZ Juniors Volleyball Club, and being a resident for over 15 years has prepared Angela to tackle any obstacle.

We are excited to welcome Angela to our team. Her history in real estate and commitment to the Flagstaff community make her a fantastic addition to the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family.

Bret Lamberson, Sales Manager
April 6, 2020 by