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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 Alexandra Baum

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 Alexandra Baum

Architecture, Business, Real Estate

french country estate sold in prescott

An elegant luxury Prescott estate listed by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty closed for $2,050,000 making it the most significant luxury home sale to date in the area since 2017.

Agents Nancy Read and Frank Aazami of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty represented the sellers of this record sale in Prescott. The French Country estate offers 6,795 square feet of livable space and sits on approximately seven acres. With four bedrooms, including two grand bedroom suites, this masterpiece is truly extraordinary.

There is nothing in Prescott quite like The Grand Lady of Thumb Butte. Grand in scale while offering an inviting, cozy feel with an almost fairytale-like experience as you walk through the home. I am proud to represent Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and the sellers in Prescott’s highest sale since 2017.
nancy read, russ lyon sotheby’s international realty sedona

Just minutes from downtown Prescott, this estate is located at 2031 W Thumb Butte Road in Prescott. This architectural masterpiece exudes privacy, comfort and class and stages unobstructed views of the adjoining seven acres. This captivating single-level living estate with a grand foyer entrance, includes a 12-car garage, conservatory, living room, and library.

The home also offers a luxury chef’s kitchen, wine cellar, and breakfast nook. Each room is spacious enough to accommodate guests for corporate or family gatherings. The chef’s kitchen includes a double island center.

Other unique features of the gracious home include a custom made movie theater, game room, and entertainer’s loft. There is also room for horse privileges and a variety of mature trees.

October 15, 2019 by Alexandra Baum

Architecture, Business, Real Estate, Travel

Sotheby’s International Realty® Brand Expands Into Cyprus

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced its expanding presence in Europe with the opening of Cyprus Sotheby’s International Realty.

Cyprus Sotheby’s International Realty is owned and led by Andrey Manukovskiy, chairman, and Anastasia Yianni, chief executive officer, who have practiced real estate in Cyprus for 19 years. Cyprus Sotheby’s International Realty is located in Pafos and will serve the luxury residential markets of Limassol, Pafos, Nicosia, Larnaca and Agia Napa.

Cyprus continues to attract high-net-worth individuals from a variety of markets around the world due to its strategic location and high quality, high yield investment opportunities. Andrey and Anastasia have a strong understanding and passion for the luxury real estate, and we are proud to welcome them as an affiliate in Cyprus.
Philip White, President and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty

“The luxury real estate market in Cyprus continues to grow due to the appeal of the Mediterranean lifestyle, the sunny climate and our hospitable culture, said Anastasia Yianni. “From a global perspective, we are noticing interest from Europe, China, India, and Russia. Aligning our company with the Sotheby’s International Realty^® brand will further enable us to provide a tailor-made approach to the needs and requirements for each of our clients. Our company culture is based on expertise and a tradition of customer service and our integration to the Sotheby’s International Realty network will enable us to continue this approach on a global scale with unparalleled marketing and exposure.”

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. Cyprus 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.

October 10, 2019 by Alexandra Baum

Architecture, Art, Business, Real Estate

The diamond estate

The Estate of Legendary Arizona Philanthropist, Developer Donald Diamond and his wife, Joan Diamond.

Diamond, born in New York, moved to Arizona in 1965 and attended the University of Arizona. He served in the community and was involved in civic issues throughout the state. His estate is located within the exclusive high-end guard-gated community of The Canyons, a community Diamond himself developed in Tucson.

Completed in 1982, the Spanish Colonial estate is made from burnt adobe imported from Mexico. The estate displays Diamond’s love for traditional Mexico with murals including a Mexican market and Mexican landscapes throughout, painted by renowned artist, Andrew Rush.

“It’s unlike any other house I’ve seen in Tucson. The timeless Adobe style is ideal for entertaining and even though it’s a large house, it’s warm and inviting,” said Helaine Levy, Diamond’s daughter.

The estate, which offers impressive views and exclusive privacy, is listed for $4.5 million. Prospective buyers also have an option to purchase five adjacent parcels along with the estate. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents Bryan Durkin and Anne Ferro are listing this one-of-a-kind luxury home and property in Tucson’s most elite and coveted neighborhood.

The estate features several properties on-site including the main house with 7,632 square feet showcasing two large bedroom suites and six bathrooms. The main residence also features a private office suite, spacious walk-in pantry, a lavish living room for large scale entertaining a sunken bar and a lower level with a recreation room, plus a full bar and a temperature-controlled walk-in wine cellar.

In addition, there is also a 2,589 square foot guest house with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. High above the Tucson city lights, the front porch comfortably seats 20 people. Other highlights include a sparkling pool with an adjacent pool house, two changing rooms, bathroom, sauna, and a lower level exercise room/workshop.

“This extraordinary property offers the best city, mountain and private canyon views I have ever seen in my 20-year career. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an estate of this magnitude and to be located in a neighborhood with the prestige of The Canyons is truly unheard of. We are truly honored to have been selected to list this magnificent property and we are excited to bring it to market for the first time ever,” said Durkin.

View the Diamond Estate Property Video Below

October 10, 2019 by Alexandra Baum

Architecture, Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

GREAT OUTDOOR SPACES

Luxury living extends into finding the perfect mix of fun and relaxation in cool outdoor spaces.

Designing exceptional and extraordinary homes very much includes the property’s exterior, according to Mark Candelaria, a Scottsdale architect and principal with Candelaria Design Associates. “Outdoor space needs to be thought of as positive space versus leftover space, so we pay as much attention to the shape and proportion of the outdoor space as we do an interior room, Candelaria said. He said outdoor spaces can be covered or trellised to create the feeling of a room.

“Then, just like interior space, the details need to be considered – finishes, surrounds, lighting, furnishings, and of course the landscaping. All of these notes ore orchestrated to create a beautiful melody of space be it traditional or contemporary,” Candelaria said.

In Arizona, that often means creating luxury oases in desert and Southwestern living. Whether it is a poolside patio, shaded terrace with mountain views or a curated desert garden, exterior amenities and design can take a property to the next level of luxury.

We love creating over the top outdoor spaces, spaces to entertain, to cook, to meditate, to exercise, to the garden. There are so many opportunities to pull one from the indoors and get them outdoors not to mention the merging of the indoors to the outdoors
Mark candelaria, aia

Outdoor spaces can be great for entertaining and enjoying all the outdoor beauty and sunshine Arizona has to offer. They can also offer some tranquility and peace or even just a quick moment of escape from a busy day and busy world.

Negative edge pools, spas, lazy rivers, and other water features contrast with Arizona’s desert landscapes. Candelaria said bocce courts, outdoor pavilions for dining, indoor-outdoor pools and outdoor kitchens are all trends he has been seeing on the exterior design front. He also said even smaller areas and side yards can be upgraded and transformed with small gardens, water features, and extensions of indoor spaces.

Design features that offer shade for entertaining or just enjoying an outdoor garden and Arizona’s natural beauty can also take living experiences to the next level.

42820 N FLEMING SPRINGS ROAD, SCOTTSDALE

From Camelback Mountain and north Scottsdale to Sedona and Tucson, Arizona offers one of a kind views of the mountain, desert flora and cities, those views and luxury homes are enhanced by great outdoor living and features. Fireplace, fire pits, fountains and high-end outdoor lighting can all lift the experience. Premium outdoor kitchens and bars can bring out the best entertainer, chef de cuisine and mixologist.

Home is where the heart is and inspired outdoor spaces can take luxury and hospitality to a game-changing level. “It’s pretty limitless – really anything you can contemplate doing on the inside of the house is an opportunity to imagine, compose and ultimately experience outdoors,” Candelaria said.

For more amazing properties with great outdoor spaces, visit russlyon.com

October 1, 2019 by Alexandra Baum

Business, Real Estate

Russ lyon SIR wins big at top women in real estate awards

The Scottsdale Women’s Council of REALTORS honored top sales producers and agents.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty had an extremely strong showing at the Scottsdale Women’s Council of REALTORS Top Women in Real Estate Awards on Thursday 9/19.

Ten agents with Russ Lyon SIR took home Top Women in Real Estate Awards.

Lisa Lucky received the Circle of Excellence award for posting 5 straight years as a top volume producer. She was one of two recipients to receive the top award. Lucky is an agent at the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Pinnacle Peak office along with her husband Matt and daughter Laura. Lucky was also honored by the Scottsdale Women’s Council for being part of a top performing team.

Susan Pelligrini (Fountain Hills), Lisa Roberts (Camelback Tower) and Cindy Metz, Josie Pakula, Sally Cashman, Tracy Fitzgerald (all with the Pinnacle Peak office) also took home top performer awards.

Monica Monson and Lisa Westcott (Market Street), Kathleen Benoit (Desert Mountain) along Pelligrini, Roberts, Fitzgerald and Cashman also won top sales volume awards at the Scottsdale event.

“We are so proud of our agents and the incredible energy and hard work they bring to our valued clients. These awards show just how impressive and talented our agents are in Scottsdale and throughout Arizona.
Jim Lyon, Chairman of the Board

**Top row left to right:** Katie Metz, Kathy Stratton, Laura Lucky, Lisa Lucky, Karen Nychay, Mark Lindabury, Tracy Fitzgerald, Tim Fitzgerald Bottom

**Row left to right:** Kevin Gonzales, Barry Van Patten, Ginger Van Patten, Monica Monson, Cindy Metz, Sherri Monteith, Kathleen Benoit, Sally Cashman, Nichole Thorstensen, Josie Pakula, Linda Hilgendorf, Kathy Reisdorf, Deems Dickinson

September 25, 2019 by Alexandra Baum

Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon Welcomes the Williams

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 agent, Wendy and Axel Williams, 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.

Wendy Williams is a 14 year veteran Real Estate agent in Phoenix. Wendy was raised in the San Diego area and came from 40 years in the healthcare industry. Organizational skills and the attitude that “we can get it done” remains at the top of her skills.

Wendy is married to Axel, the owner of Gilbert Tax Center and they share their home with their dog, Jake. Several times a year you may find her on a cruise or at a Jimmy Buffett concert.

The innate ability to “help people” was honed in the healthcare industry and has served Wendy well in Real Estate. She is the leader of the Wendy Williams Team and has been the recipient of the “Million Dollar sales Award” consistently. Wendy leads a team that works seamlessly with her clients for the best possible home buying or selling experience.

Axel and Wendy Williams are truly some of the most incredible professionals I know. Their ability to deliver the highest level of care and attention to all of their clients no matter what is something they excel in. Wendy’s ability to overcome obstacles while having empathy for her clients allow her to keep all lines of communication open and stay solution oriented. Axel and Wendy are also the owners of Gilbert Tax Center which allows Axel to be a very knowledgeable resource for clients and also for agents and their clients. Axel has 35 years in the tax business and is well known for always answering his phone with relevant information.”
cathy green, branch manager

September 18, 2019 by Alexandra Baum

Business, Real Estate

Russ lyon sir welcomes kevin gurry

Kevin grew up in Scottsdale, attended Chaparral High and Arizona State University, majoring in Urban Planning & Sustainability. Today, as a literal ‘product’ of the Scottsdale lifestyle, Kevin is tying his studies to his lifelong passion of residential real estate.

Clients will find Kevin’s approach both high tech and high touch, as he is committed to successful outcomes. To that end, Kevin is looking forward to going more in-depth on any of the above that may resonate as he works hand in hand with his clients and their decision of moving.

“I knew when I met Kevin that he will be a success in real estate! He is passionate about customer service, and has had a strong desire to enter this business for a very long time! We are honored to be in business with him!
heather mcnamara

September 5, 2019 by Alexandra Baum