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Real Estate
The Lyon family was at the forefront of transforming the Valley into what it is today through development and real estate, dating back to World War II when Russ Lyon moved here, got his real estate license, and started Russ Lyon Realty in 1947.
Russ’ son Dennis took over the real estate practice in 1968 as the company’s president, continuing to dominate the luxury market, primarily in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, and growing the company to about 350 agents.
Dennis’ son Jim bought the company from his father in 2008 and merged it with Sotheby’s International Realty in 2014.
As of 2022, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty now has 13 offices, 900+ agents, and services locations like Tubac, Flagstaff & everywhere in between.
Read more about how Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has been serving Arizona since 1947 below.
2022 is a banner year for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. 75 years ago, in 1947, Russ Lyon founded the Russ Lyon Realty Company.
During these 75 years, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has grown into a 7 billion dollar, full-service luxury real estate brokerage with more than 900 full-time real estate advisors and 13 offices across Arizona from Tubac and Tucson to Scottsdale, Carefree, Gilbert, Peoria, and Fountain Hills to Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff.
If you’ve been around Phoenix long enough, you remember when a huge, well-landscaped billboard at 24th and Camelback had a lion on it advertising Russ Lyon Realty, which was the premier home sales agency in the Valley. The Lyon family is really royalty in the Arizona real estate world.
Grady Gammage Jr., a long-time Valley land-use attorney and partner at Gammage & Burnham in Phoenix.
The brokerage continues strategic growth by investing in its people through innovation, exceptional service, and leadership, providing maximum returns to all its agents and clients.
I am very proud of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty for reaching our diamond milestone, as we continue to represent buyers and sellers locally and internationally always giving our clients the white-glove services they deserve and have come to expect. Our real estate advisors across Arizona are our core business, they work tirelessly to provide the best service possible while upholding the standards and ethics that make Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Arizona’s real estate leader.
Jim Lyon, chairman
The story of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty began in 1947 when Russ Lyon Sr. founded Russ Lyon Realty with just three employees.
Lyon had been an accomplished saxophone player in New York City and, in the 1930s, formed Russ Lyon and his orchestra during the significant band era. He decided to relocate his family, wife Janis, and sons Rusty and Dennis to Hollywood, CA, to further his music career in the mid-1940s. While crossing Arizona, Rusty came down with Valley Fever. So, they wintered in the small farm town of Mesa so Rusty could recover.
One winter was enough to convince Russ that he’d found Heaven in The Valley of the Sun, Arizona. He changed the family’s plans, deciding to remain in Arizona permanently.
There being no music industry to speak of in The Valley, Russ decided in 1947 to start a real estate company and named it Russ Lyon Realty.
The family moved to an adobe home on Cattletrack Drive in Scottsdale, where actual cattle drives were a common occurrence. This home still stands and is known as the Stable Galleria.
Russ built the company into a luxury powerhouse in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and Phoenix by always treating clients fairly, with dignity, respect, and professionalism. To this day, a business ethic is a cornerstone of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.
Russ’s son, Dennis, entered the family real estate business as a young man and eventually took the reins in the 1970s. Dennis built upon the solid foundation his father had created, and Russ Lyon Realty Company grew and prospered for several decades. Russ’s other son, Rusty, went into commercial real estate and founded Westcor, a company that revolutionized the American shopping mall concept and built some of the most successful malls in the United States, including Scottsdale Fashion Square.
In the 1990s, Dennis’ son, Jim Lyon, joined the company and quickly climbed the ranks from agent to management. In 2004, Jim partnered with long-time friend and successful Russ Lyon Realty agent Todd Gillenwater and opened franchise offices in Sedona, Prescott, and Flagstaff. In 2008, Jim and Todd purchased Russ Lyon Realty from Dennis, which they merged with another local brokerage to create Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Arizona’s dominant luxury real estate firm.
In 2012, Jim and Todd invited top-producing agent and friend Tom Locati to join the company as partners.
In 2014, the Russ Lyon Foundation was formed and was recently recognized in the Top 3 mid-sized companies for corporate philanthropy and volunteerism. Together, Jim Lyon, Todd Gillenwater, and Tom Locati have continued the traditions and ethics that Russ Lyon Sr. started 75 years ago, and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty continues to lead the industry by example.
In 2021, the company closed over 7,000 successful transactions, totaling more than 7 billion dollars in Arizona real estate.
Serving Arizona Since 1947
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 Leslie Grosshauser to the Camelback Tower 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.
Leslie Grosshauser grew up in the Midwest in a small suburb of Chicago. To escape the bitter cold winters, she and her family visited Arizona every year for our vacations. They fell in love with the healthy lifestyle that Arizona had to offer. Arizona is where you can live a very active lifestyle full of adventures – right in your backyard!
Leslie has been in the Health and Wellness Industry for over 35 years, focusing on serving people and teaching them how to take care of themselves through diet and exercise. In 2018 she moved to Scottsdale, where she and her husband truly felt the shift of their own well-being by living in the extraordinary environment of Arizona, where sunshine is abundant, mountain views are all around you, and the people are warm and friendly.
Leslie’s purpose in life is to continue to help you find proper health and happiness in a home that checks all of your boxes. Finding your dream home will put you in complete peace and well-being. Leslie would love to help you through the process of either buying or selling your home. Together you all will find the perfect place for you to call home and live your best life.
Leslie is the type of person that has complete control over the situation she is in, very perceptive and knowledgeable, yet kind and attentive. Her fitness background Will lend itself beautifully to her new real estate endeavor.
Sherri Monteith, Managing broker
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 Kristopher Sollenberger to the Pinnacle Peak 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.
Kristopher Sollenberger (Kris) has been an active member of the Scottsdale community for 30 years and is excited to turn that community focus toward real estate.
Kris has been in the golf industry for 11 years and with a passion for service. He is ready to help with your home buying and selling needs. As a proud member of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family, Kris carries the values of hard work, integrity, and outstanding client service.
When he isn’t making homeownership dreams come true, he enjoys spending time hiking with his wife and golfing with his dad and friends. Kris lives in North Scottsdale with his wife, 3-year-old son, 17-year-old stepdaughter, and cat.
We are excited to welcome Kris Sollenberger to our Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty sales team at the Pinnacle Peak Office. I know he will be a great asset to our office and will do a great job representing his clients.
KEVIN GONZALES, MANAGING BROKER
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 Ashley Thompson 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.
Ashley was born and raised in the east valley. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University.
Ashley is motivated and has impeccable customer service. Her number one priority is to build long-lasting relationships with her clients. She has mastered this with clients from all walks of life by using effective and continuous communication. Her “native” knowledge, extensive education, A+ customer service, and devotion to her clients are guaranteed to create an unforgettable experience.
Aside from being highly motivated Ashley is extremely great at strategizing and negotiating with others which allows the clients to achieve their goals. Her beautiful spirit and incredible depth of knowledge combined with an amazing work ethic make her an outstanding addition to our award-winning SEV Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty team.
Cathy Green, Managing Broker
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Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is Proud to Introduce One of Its Most Elegant and expensive listings in Prescott. The 8,639 square feet of sprawling space in Hassayampa Prescott offers its own lower-level bowling alley, incredible 100-mile mountain views, and all the accouterments necessary for luxurious living.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has a 75-year history of listing and selling the state’s most luxurious and coveted homes. That tradition continues with Hassayampa Masterpiece, which is currently the brokerage’s highest-priced residential listing in Prescott.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to announce that 2162 Forest Mountain Road in Prescott, Arizona, is now listed for sale at $6.7 million by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agents Linda Wood, Chris Wood, and Jill Anderson. Located less than three miles from historic downtown Prescott the house comes equipped with more than 8,600 square feet of gorgeous living space, including six bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, and an elegant amenity-packed lower level.
Built to be luxurious and practical, the house makes living easy with garage space for seven cars, a
complete lower-level kitchen, geothermal heating and cooling, a backup generator, house-wide
humidifier, HRV fresh air systems, and three separate laundry areas. All these features work
diligently to make this home as functional as it is beautiful.
The exquisite rustic architecture showcases large wood beams, extensive natural stone, alder wood
doors and cabinets, and brilliant fireplaces. The sensational design presence in every room offers an
unparalleled atmosphere. Enjoy a bowling alley, gourmet kitchen, and billiard room. The Prescott
home’s spectacular design exemplifies beauty and luxury.
Located less than 3-miles from downtown Prescott, this estate is situated on almost an acre of land
and comes with its own heated Maxx pool and spa. Enjoy the expansive views of mountains from
the large deck complete with a custom bar, or enjoy the view from the fenced yard full of natural foliage and turf putting green. When you’re done admiring the natural beauty of Prescott day, take in the elegance of the Prescott night lights around the bocce court or horseshoe pit. Enjoy the lower level, a rarity in most Arizona homes. The lower level has a Brunswick two-lane bowling alley, a saloon bar, an optional wine cellar or theater, and an elevator to the main floor.
“At the $6.7 million asking price, this elegant estate not only stacks up to be the most expensive
listings currently on the market, but it’s also one of the most noteworthy homes in terms of amenities and luxury. Decadently draped in natural beauty and perfectly positioned in Prescott, this one-of-a-kind estate takes luxury to a new level,” said Jill Anderson, listing agent for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s
International Realty.
Of course, none of these luxurious amenities compare to the perfect location of this home. Nestled inside the prestigious Hassayampa gated community, the location of this home has much to offer. The community is complemented by its beautiful bike and walking paths, community pool, fitness facility, and clubhouse. One can also utilize the surrounding community to its fullest with a membership to the Capital Canyon Club.
“With more than 8600 square feet, Forest Mountain Estate is an exquisite mountain home with every amenity the modern homeowner would want. It is one of the most spectacular custom homes ever built in the Prescott luxury home market and the amenities will please even the most discerning buyer,” said Linda Wood, listing agent for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.
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 Vallè Wilkinson to the West 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.
Vallé Wilkinson is a second-generation residential real estate agent. Having spent the last couple of decades as a trusted source for executives in global corporations, she is skilled in listening and producing results. A transplant from Atlanta, Georgia, and a former resident of Huntington Beach, California, she made her dream a reality in Arizona. Vallé wants to make your next move your best move.
Having a solid background as a trusted corporate advisor to global executives and a second-generation real estate agent, Vallé is a natural for the Sotheby’s International Realty brand. With a warm and welcoming charm, this transplant from Atlanta, Georgia, and a former resident of Huntington Beach, California, has made her dream a reality in the west valley of Peoria, Arizona. We look forward to watching her business develop.
Cindy Smith, Managing Broker
In The News, Inspiration, Multi Purpose, Real Estate, Russ Lyon
Sotheby’s International Realty’s Weekly Win – September 26th 2022
Weekly Win: Sotheby’s International Realty Brokerages Awarded for Service Excellence
Seven Sotheby’s International Realty brokerages were awarded for their service excellence based on customer satisfaction at the ninth annual Aires Broker Network Summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The annual summit recognizes real estate brokerages throughout the United States who provide the highest level of relocation customer service.
- Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
- Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty
- Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty
- LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
- Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
- Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
- Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
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 Kimberly Wang to the Camelback Tower 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.
Kimberly Wang has been a REALTOR® for over 18 years and is consistently in the top 1% of REALTORS® in Arizona for sales volume. Her designations include Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Keller Williams Luxury Division and Million Dollar Guild, and Certified Distressed Property Expert. Kimberly also serves on the Keller Williams Board of Directors and is an instructor on the Keller Williams Master Faculty.
She is keen on helping people fulfill the American Dream of home ownership. Even if that dream seems daunting, Kimberly gets it done for her clients by guiding them through everything from credit repair to loan applications, all while promoting the value of manifesting their dream home visions. There is no “one size fits all” in real estate, so her out-of-the-box thinking, creativity, tenacity, and passion help bring sweet harmony to every client she comes in contact with.
Meeting Kimberly was such a breath of fresh air! Organized, highly intelligent and a spark for the business that is evident in her eyes. Her career will reach new heights since partnering with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and we look forward to all that ecompasses!
Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker