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 Vanessa Paz to the Tucson 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.
With over a decade of experience managing the top luxury “five-star” spas to curating lifestyle experiences for top luxury residences in hot spots like Miami, FL, Vanesa offer a compelling edge by providing a unique experience and exceptional customer service to every client. With Vanesa’s experience with modern marketing, she provides special property tours throughout Southern Arizona. So whether you are an Arizona local looking to move or an “out of State” client looking to make their big move to Arizona, Vanesa will keep you connected.
Relocating to Arizona from Florida has brought Vanesa a passion for helping others with relocation. Relocating can be stressful, but let her take care of you from start to finish for a smooth process.
Specializing in New Construction, let Vanesa represent you for your next new construction purchase, and with her connections with builders, she can get you what you’re looking for!
Outside of Real Estate, Vanesa loves spending time with her family, which includes her husband and kids. She loves visiting Mt. Lemmon, Sedona, Flagstaff, and all of Arizona’s beautiful landmarks.
The Tucson Office of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty welcomes Miami, Florida native, Vanesa Paz to our Brand. Vanesa’s experience in hotel management and wellness will blend perfectly as a platform to her successful real estate career.
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 Penny Lambert 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.
Penny Lambert is an outstanding professional. Penny’s work ethic combined with her exceptional ability to build trust and rapport has allowed her to be a phenomenal negotiator. Penny promises that she will use a detailed process that allows her clients to rest assured knowing that they will have a smooth transaction and meet all of their real estate goals.
CATHY GREEN, MANAGING BROKER
Understanding her client’s motivations and lifestyle, deepening relationships, and contract negotiation is one of Penny’s strengths. After her many years of life’s experiences, while always aspiring to discover more, Penny has learned to anticipate issues – no small thing given the complexity of real estate transactions.
It’s also important to me to execute every process promptly and accurately, always underpinning tasks with empathy for your particular situation. Buying, selling, relocating, downsizing, moving, financial and family decisions – changing one’s address can be stressful. Penny finds the most successful outcomes happen by offering the best of what she knows while ‘walking in your shoes.
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.
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.
With 2022 being a banner year for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, we took a moment to connect with a few individuals who got to see different aspects of what makes Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty have a trusted legacy over the years.
Jim Lyon – Third Generation Lyon | Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Chairman
What about Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty are you most proud of? I am most proud of the longevity of the company and all of the success we have had over the last 75 years. We have withstood all the different markets with the same basic philosophy my grandfather established.
What about Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty are you most proud of? What fun, memorable moment have you had at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty? I have had so many fond memories over the years that it’s hard to narrow them down. But if I had to choose just one, I would have to go with our last managers retreat in Greer, Arizona, where we got all of our leadership team out of their comfort zone and had so much fun fishing, hiking, eating good food, painting, and celebrating what a fantastic group of leaders we have.
How does Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty stand out from other organizations? We have always held true to our roots and excel in the Arizona real estate market. We have been fortunate enough to be synonymous with fine properties since 1947.
What does Russ Lyon Realty/Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty mean to you? It’s an honor to be the steward of the company my father and grandfather ran and continue what they started.
How has Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty done over the years? We have done very well. We are debt free, have the best leadership in the business, and have stood the test of time through both good and bad markets.
Can you describe Russ Lyon Realty/Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in one sentence? We deliver white glove service to our buyers and sellers regardless of the price point.
For those who have never heard of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, what makes Russ Lyon SIR stand out against the rest? Why is it so special? Why/How has it lasted for 75 years? Russ Lyon was one of the original names in Arizona real estate, and adding Sotheby’s name brought us a global reach and provided the best network of any brand out there.
Stephanie Stewart – Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Controller | Russ LyonFoundation President
What is the Russ Lyon Foundation? The Russ Lyon Foundation provides a way for our Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family to get involved and serve in the communities in which we live and work. We do this through volunteering and direct giving.
What makes the Russ Lyon Foundation so unique? I love how the foundation supports the local organizations that our agents and employees are passionate about. We have an advisory council with representatives from each of our offices. The foundation is there to support them in the events that they organize to help organizations in their local communities.
How did you get involved with the Foundation? I began by participating in some of the volunteer events when the foundation first started in 2014. In 2016 I was asked to be the treasurer, in 2018 I became a member of the Board of Directors and then President in 2022.
How many events have you participated in? I have participated in 2 or 3 events a year since the foundation started in 2014.
What do you enjoy most about the Russ Lyon Foundation? I enjoy volunteering the most. It is a great way to learn more about the people in the community. I also really enjoy getting to know the agents and employees on a more personal level when we volunteer together.
What should those who have never heard of the Russ Lyon Foundation know? The agents and employees of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty have a long tradition of being involved in community service. The Russ Lyon Foundation is here to help support this work throughout Arizona.
What is the Foundation’s goal for 2022? After being restricted from volunteering in 2020 and 2021, our goal was to get back out into the community and begin to serve again. We have had a great response from our agents and employees.
What is the Foundation’s goal for 2023? Our goal for 2023 is to promote our events more consistently, so we can increase our participation across our great state.
Cionne McCarthy – Russ Lyon Realty & Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agent | Women’s Council of Realtors Award Winner 2021
How long have you been a real estate agent? How long have you been with Russ Lyon Realty/ Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty? As of September this year, I celebrated a 41-year career in real estate and 40 of those years with Russ Lyon Realty.
Why did you get into real estate? After I graduated college, a mentor suggested that real estate would be a career where my work mattered. The word “home” is powerful for me. It conjures beautiful images and emotions in all of us. Matching people with the homes of their dreams has always been a passion for me!
Do you remember why you joined Russ Lyon Realty? I joined Russ Lyon Realty because it was the iconic luxury brokerage in Arizona – and still is.
Why have you stayed over the years? Simply put, loyalty and family. The Lyon family has always been good to me. I was hired by Dennis Lyon and had the pleasure of working alongside Jim Lyon when he started in residential real estate. Everyone in the company made it feel like a family. Every meeting, event, and piece of advertising were centered around the culture of the company, which raised the expectation and level of professionalism in the industry – a culture of family and high values.
What keeps you here? Ultimately, I always fall back on the high standards that Russ Lyon Realty started/provided and the Sotheby’s International Realty name that this company has built upon. Russ Lyon Realty/Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is built on integrity, values, and culture. The marketing and global reach are a bonus; it is the people and the other agents in this company that has brought this company to such a caliber.
For those who have never heard of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, what is something they should know? I can’t imagine anyone not hearing about Russ Lyon. There is no other brokerage house in Arizona that has the history, depth of experience, or commitment to the highest level of service.
Can you describe Russ Lyon Realty/Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in one sentence? A trusted legacy.
What changes have you seen over the years? Lots. Lots of changes – in the industry and within the company. As the business of Real Estate has grown, it has become an intricate industry where the level of professionalism that real estate agents must have has increased. As this career keeps evolving, agents and companies must evolve to keep up with and exceed the changes happening.
Russ Lyon has always been at the forefront of it all by elevating its business and needs to fit the market around it. This includes but is not limited to exceptional support and continued education to execute changes.
When I started in the business, the contract was one page. The listing agreement was one page. A lot has changed since then, and Russ Lyon has always adapted. Through all of the years, changes, a growing city, and industry/professional growth, it became imperative that to serve our clients correctly we had to stay on top of the market standards, industry trends, and our service. Russ Lyon and now Sotheby’s have always worked from the base of “our clients are what we are working for,” and we are committed to setting the industry standard and exceeding expectations to provide the highest quality of service.
Of course, in addition to creating the highest level of professionalism originating in 1947, Russ Lyon, with all of its’ connections, values, and commitment to luxury service, regardless of price point, then adding the Sotheby’s International Realty name has solidly placed us at the top in both national and international markets. This was an absolute win for our clientele. This excellent company partnership brings professional standards and a marketing package that reaches the world for our clients with accurate White Glove Service.
Anything else you would like to add? Yes, if I may, I just want to say something about Deems Dickinson. Deems has been a part of the Russ Lyon family since before I was an agent. He was wonderful as an agent and is an excellent Designated Broker. Deems is the type of person that is calm, collected, committed, honorable, genuine, approachable, wise, and knowledgeable. He is a true example of what Russ Lyon Realty and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is about. He provides exceptional leadership, not only to our clients but to all of the agents. He is a fantastic human being in every sense of the word.
5800 N Monte Vista Drive, located in the heart of Paradise Valley, offers the best of Arizona’s indoor and outdoor living and endless amenities. This new contemporary build comes with 5 bedrooms and 5 full and 2 half baths, and a detached casita. The 7,460-square-feet home sits on just over an acre.
The spectacular owner’s suite features views of Camelback and Mummy Mountain, a stunning master bathroom with an outdoor shower, a spacious walk-in closet with two center islands, and a spacious laundry room.
The primary wing also includes an atrium, gym, and office with a switch glass window looking into the private garage. The six-car garage can fit up to 12 cars with lifts. The three additional en-suite bedrooms with walk-in closets offer a split floor plan, including a game room with a bar and den.
“We are so excited to have the privilege to introduce this spectacular masterpiece to the public,” said Agent Thomas Scott. “This is the perfect home for a family as it offers amazing indoor and outdoor living, including a pool and built-in BBQ, a gym, home office, and a den with a game room and bar.”
The chef’s kitchen features Wolf and Sub-Zero legendary appliances, custom cabinetry, two center islands, a coffee bar, and a generous pantry. The multiple retractable glass sliding walls open to an oversized outdoor patio, built-in BBQ, heated pool and spa, and a fireplace and built-in fire pit.
The detached casita suite is the perfect place to host family and friends as it offers a full kitchen, living room, an en-suite bedroom with a walk-in closet, a laundry room, and a patio.
“This is a gorgeous contemporary property designed by MP Design and Development,” said Agent Kelly Jones. “It offers wonderful amenities any buyer on the market is looking for, including a smart home system, spa, walk-in closets, and a guest casita to host friends and families.”
Other amenities include an intelligent home system, under cabinet lighting, a wine cellar, and a pool bath. The estimated date of completion for this property is February 2023.
Fueled by talent, charisma, and passion, Nic Roldan is the leading American polo player with an impressive 8-goal handicap rating. He is the youngest polo player in the world to win the prestigious U.S. Open Polo title at 15 and has captained Team USA, winning victoriously on all five continents at every level; Nic attracts worldwide acclaim. His commitment to increasing awareness and participation in the sport he loves with a broader audience of players and new spectators reflects his passionate dedication to Polo.
Nic will return and headline the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships on November 5th at West World of Scottsdale.
Nic Roldan is a licensed REALTOR®; see NicRoldan.com with Equestrian Sotheby’s International Realty in Wellington, Florida. He also develops, flips, and constructs properties, having personally created eight properties.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty had the opportunity to sit down with this America Polo Star to get his take on playing polo in the desert and how his journey began.
Photo by Arianna Grainey/Independent Newsmedia
Tell us how you were first introduced to the sport of polo.
It runs in the family; I’m a 4th generation polo player.
Is polo your first love, or is there another sport you love equally?
I love sports, and that competitive spirit gets translated into all areas. Off the polo field, I’m an avid golfer. When I was a kid, I played junior golf and got into the Junior Olympics with roller hockey.
For those who have never played polo, what makes the sport so fascinating to watch and play?
The athleticism of the horses and athletes is a perfect mix of beauty and power, the symbiosis between man and horse. The adrenaline.
Do you have any goals you hope to still achieve in the sport?
Yes, always! To win another U.S. Open Polo Championships and to play in Argentina again at the game’s highest level. Likewise, I’m passionate about continuing to grow the sport of polo and highlighting the horses in it.
What are you looking forward to when coming to the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships on November 5th?
The energy, the fans, the support, and the infectious excitement that the event generates.
You have played all over the world, including Scottsdale, several times. How does the Valley of the Sun and Scottsdale, in particular, compare to some of the other polo destinations you regularly play?
For the most part, Polo is played in warm climates, and during that time, Scottsdale’s climate is perfect. It’s a showcase event truly bringing polo to a whole new and fresh demographic, and the vibe is fantastic.
Any advice for those looking to get into Polo?
Don’t stress about the rules too much, as often that inhibits you from enjoying the game’s fluidity. The most critical factor for anyone getting into the sport is the actual riding, that is, the belt and braces of our sport; if you can master riding, you are 70% there.
In celebration of Sotheby’s International Realty®’s record-breaking accomplishment in 2021, the President and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty®, Philip White, has personally invited the Top 100 Sotheby’s International Realty® agents and teams worldwide to celebrate an evening in New York City. This evening will take place on Thursday, November 3, to congratulate and recognize these global real estate advisors’ success and contributions.
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.
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.
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.
