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7 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient home improvements are worthwhile for two big reasons. First, these updates can help you cut down on costs for utilities and other bills long-term. Second, saving energy at home can also help reduce your overall impact on the environment.

Before you design a new home or remodel an existing one, consider investing in energy efficiency. You’ll save energy and money, and your home will be more comfortable and durable. The planning process is also a good time to look into a renewable energy system that can provide electricity, water heating, or space heating and cooling. You may also want to explore your options for financing an energy-efficient home.

In an existing house, the first step is to conduct a home energy assessment (sometimes referred to as an energy audit) to find out how your home uses energy and determine the best ways to cut energy use and costs. To learn more about home energy assessments and find free tools and calculators, go to Your Home’s Energy Use, the Residential Services Network, and the Building Performance Institute.

Source: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-home-design

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Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Stephanie Arndt

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, Stephanie Arndt, 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. 

As a real estate professional, Stephanie Arndt’s number one goal is to listen to your needs and guide you through smooth transactions. As an agent who has represented both sellers and buyers, the skill sets she brings to her clients are clear communication, enthusiasm, responsiveness, and perseverance. Having real estate experience on East Coast and now West Coast, Stephanie can help buyers or sellers in several different types of home purchases or sales, from resort to residential.

Stephanie is thrilled to join the family at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty here in Arizona. She is drawn to its local, national, and global reach as well as its highly praised reputation across the market.

Stephanie Arndt is such an amazing human.  Her zest for life and servant heart combined with her attention to detail gives her an edge when assisting her buyers and sellers.  Stephanie made the move to AZ from Southern Vermont where she sold a blend of resort-style living and country residential property.  Stephanie loves AZ and looks forward to helping any and all with their real estate dreams and needs.

Cathy Green, Southeast Valley Manager
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Robin Sue Kaiserman

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, Robin Sue Kaiserman, 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.

I always look towards the future and believe Tucson’s real estate future is the Sotheby’s International Realty brand.

I decided to come to the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Tucson office because of the prestigious reputation of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand. With a prominent national and international presence, the Sotheby’s International Realty global network is full of the finest and most successful real estate advisors in the business.

Robin Sue Kaiserman

Robin Sue Kaiserman is an experienced Tucson real estate agent, she has homes for sale throughout the Tucson area and specializes in the Foothills, Oro Valley, and the Central University of Arizona area. She can help you find the Tucson, Arizona real estate MLS listings to meet your needs.

Robin Sue has lived in Tucson since 1976 and prides herself on providing excellent, dedicated service. Robin has continuously sold several thousand homes over the past 30 years and is known as Tucson’s real estate legend who during that time has been Tucson’s #1 Real Estate agent for the past 12 years.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Tucson Office is thrilled to welcome Robin Sue Kaiserman, a perennial elite top producer to our team. Robin is an icon with over three decades of unparalleled production, knowledge, marketing skills, and professionalism.

Will Rose, Managing Broker
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Brenda Holowell

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, Brenda Hollowell, to the Sedona 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. 

An Arizona native, Brenda has lived in the beautiful Sedona/Verde Valley area for more than 30 years. She feels lucky to have raised her family in a close-knit community. She brings strong communication skills, persistence, and professionalism to the real estate industry.

Brenda brings a lifelong family history into the Verde Valley with her as well as deep connections in the Real Estate Industry.  We are very fortunate to have had her select us as the company she chooses to work for.

Managing broker, Todd Christensen
Entertainment, Real Estate

Iconic Estates: Awesome Amenities

Our homes should represent not only who we are, but also the things we love. The activities we enjoy and are passionate about often find our way into our abodes, allowing us to showcase and partake in our favorite hobbies.

Beautiful amenities gracing the luxury homes of today can include any number of features; athletes can enjoy full in-home gyms or professional-size sports courts, musicians can have sound-proofed music rooms or even recording studios, entertainers and gamers can have media rooms complete with billiards tables, shuffleboards, or arcade games. Perhaps you are an aficionado who collects automobiles, vintage wines, or sports memorabilia.

Finding a special amenity in your dream home is easy with the right real estate expert with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. No matter what pursuit you fancy, your future home will feel like a custom reflection of you, your family, and everything you love.

Explore the possibilities of amenities in your home with this edition of ICONIC Estates!


You may recognize renowned Chef Angelo Sosa from his appearances on several television shows—including three seasons of Bravo’s Top Chef and HBO Max’s Selena + Chef—and now you can enjoy his culinary expertise at his new signature restaurant in Scottsdale, Tía Carmen.

We asked acclaimed Chef Angelo Sosa to answer the proverbial question, “what’s for dinner and drinks?” recipes and all!


Each year the NAHB’s Best in American Living Award winners are the pinnacle of luxe design trends from around the country. The awards shine a spotlight on the top building industry professionals who are hitting the mark with outstanding residential designs.

Here we highlight the most ICONIC homes from the 2021 NAHB Best in American Living Award winners. Check out these stunning and unique custom home builds that won the 2021 NAHB Best in American Living home awards.


The famed professional golfer, Arnold Palmer says, “Success in this game depends less on strength of body than strength of mind and character.” He may be correct, but to really elevate your game it also takes a practiced and poised swing. Even impeccable golf equipment can’t always make you a better golfer, it’s all about perfecting your swing which is the most important weapon in any golfer’s armory.⁠ ⁠

As with most things, there are small intricacies that will help you fine-tune and improve your golf swing. ICONIC has put together five useful tips based on some of our own experience and with guidance from our friends at Birdies Crazy Golf, on the golf swing basics that will help you iron out the details and leave your competitors in the dust.⁠ ⁠


Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Rackensack Mine

Off-Grid Famous Gold Mine Property For Sale Just North of Scottsdale: Rackensack Mine

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is well known for connecting buyers to sellers for many of Arizona’s most gorgeous, custom properties with all of the trappings of comfort. But every once in a while a property comes around that has those trappings yet manages to be so incredibly unique at the same time.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Announces an Off-Grid Famous Gold Mine Property For Sale Just North of Scottsdale.

For starters, at 400 feet from the Scottsdale city limits, it has one of the closest helipads to Scottsdale. No need to fight rush hour traffic with this property.  You can simply helicopter back and forth without opening your car door. Watch this video and see for yourself.

That’s just the start, living near this gold mine property.  The Rackensack Mine property is, true to its name, situated on land that has a gold mine that thousands of people have paid money to tour. Take the speed tour of the mine yourself here.

 Those are just the more idiosyncratic features of this amazing property, however; in essence, it is the ultimate safe haven secluded refuge. Constructed on a cliff, the property is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, 360-degree panoramic views, and 14 potential sites for additional buildings. At 62 acres, to call it expansive would be an understatement. The property currently includes two structures; a two-room guest house and a fitness studio with a patio and bubbling hot spa, and plenty of room to still build your dream house. 

 Finally, if you’ve ever found yourself lamenting the heat during the summer, this is the property for you. Situated at 4,500 feet, you will almost certainly find it to be wonderfully temperate in the summer and might even find some snow in the winter.

Listing Agent Preston Westmoreland has represented numerous Arizona gold mines throughout his 30-year-real-estate-career but this one, he says makes you feel like you are on top of the world. 

I love to explore the desert and have been in over 100 mines over the years and this is one of the most fun mine trips I’ve ever taken, especially with the level tunnels, very exciting. It’s amazing to me, looking from the top of the mountain, how much you can do in a remote off-grid location and talk about a safe haven, even though you’re looking right at the northern boundary of Scottsdale, you’re surrounded by the national forest with gated access.

Preston Westmoreland, listing agent for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.



Between a corporate retreat, a wilderness B&B, a center for eco-tourism, or just your own dream home, the options for this land are endless. You can check out the full listing of this truly unique property here

It is yet another example of how Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty manages to continually showcase incredible bespoke properties.

Business, Entertainment, Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Significant Sales: March 2022

Throughout the state of Arizona, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has been proud to represent and participate in the following sales for the month of March.


We refer to these as ‘Significant Sales’, and while all of our transactions are truly significant, we hope you enjoy discovering these amazing homes based not only on price, but their architectural, cultural, and geographical significance, as well as those involved in the journey.

Enjoy!

Significant Seller Representations:

5711 N Yucca Road 10 | Paradise Valley
Sold for: $9,400,000
Seller Representation: Frank Aazami, Zoja Pedenko

20 Western Saddle Court | Tubac
Sold for: $1,550,000
Dual Representation: Gary Brasher & Melinda Maddock

5 De Ayer Court | Tubac
Sold for: $1,105,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Mindy Maddock
Buyer Representation: Marty Durkin

2157 Balboa Court | Tubac
Sold for: $803,555
Seller Representation: Marty Durkin

130 Cinnabar Drive | Sedona
Sold for: $3,872,390 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Ed Pennington & Jeanette Sauer
Buyer Representation: Katrin Themlitz

150 Rimstone Circle | Sedona
Sold for: $2,195,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Ed Pennington & Jeanette Sauer
Buyer Representation: Jim French & Anne French

5185 W. Three Forks Road | Prescott
Sold for: $1,845,000
Seller Representation: Linda Wood & Chris Wood

13871 N Grey Bears Trail | Prescott
Sold for: $1,401,000
Seller Representation: Terri Kiffer

14465 N Soza Mesa Lane | Prescott
Sold for: $1,550,000
Seller Representation: Linda Wood & Chris Wood

26450 N 106th Way | Scottsdale
Sold for: $5,500,000
Seller Representation: Michael Johnson

7450 E Continental Mountain Estates Drive 3 | Cave Creek
Sold for: $3,875,000
Seller Representation: Debbie Omundson & Susan Folts

7878 E Sunflower Court | Scottsdale
Sold for: $2,700,000
Seller Representation: Stacy Paluscio, Courtney Woods Olson, & Darcy Whalen

42882 N Chiricahua Pass | Scottsdale
Sold for: $6,025,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Will Foote, Mike Holder, Debbie Negrin & Jay Pennypacker
Buyer Representation: Bee Francis, Karen Baldwin & Kathleen Benoit

376 N Cloverfield Circle | Litchfield Park
Sold for: $1,450,000
Seller Representation: Cindy Smith

245 N Parkview Court | Litchfield Park
Sold for: $855,000
Seller Representation: Theresa Schoffstall

8246 W Rock Springs Drive | Peoria
Sold for: $805,000
Seller Representation: Lori Reiland

3370 N Mahogany Run | Flagstaff
Sold for: $4,408,000
Seller Representation: Valerie Core/Freddi Paulsrud

13448 and 13358 East Old Route 66 | Parks
Sold for: $1,800,000
Seller Representation: Andy Grannan & Jenny Addington-Bradshaw

10280 N Cliff Dweller Place | Oro Valley
Sold for: $1,800,000
Seller Representation: Jenna Loving

5000 E Via Estancia Miraval 8 | Tucson
Sold for: $1,950,000
Seller Representation: Judy Smedes & Kate Herk

3320 East San Miguel Place | Paradise Valley
Sold for $3,200,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Anthony Guerriero
Buyer Representation: Lisa Roberts

2218 E Orleans Drive | Gilbert
Sold for $2,268,671
Seller Representation: Jeffery Hall

9993 N Ginger Way | Casa Grande
Sold for $1,200,000
Seller Representation: Adam Prather

23005 N Via Ventosa | Scottsdale
Sold for $5,800,000
Seller Representation: Lisa Lucky, Matt Lucky, & Laura Lucky

8900 E Sands Dr | Scottsdale
Sold for $4,550,000
Seller Representation: Will Foote, Jay Pennypacker, Debbie Negrin, & Mike Holder

19465 N 98th Pl | Scottsdale
Sold for $4,450,000
Seller Representation: Allan MacDonald


Significant Buyer Representations:

  • 21174 N 110th Way | Scottsdale
    • Sold for $8,400,000
    • Buyer Representation: Brad Kimmelman
  • 6220 E Bret Hills Drive | Paradise Valley
    • Sold for $7,150,000
    • Buyer Representation: Nicole Hedges
  • 20 Ruby Drive | Sedona
    • Sold for $2,500,000
    • Buyer Representation: Jacque Weems
  • 10675 E Winter Sun Drive | Scottsdale
    • Sold for $5,100,000
    • Buyer Representation: Cheryl D’Anna
  • 11128 E Mesquite Drive | Scottsdale
    • Sold for $4,250,000
    • Buyer Representation: Kirk Marshall & Keith Marshall
  • 516 W Wulfenite Road | Flagstaff
    • Sold for $1,100,000
    • Buyer Representation: Eric Jensen
  • 20 E Calle De Felicidad | Tucson
    • Sold for $1,792,000
    • Buyer Representation: Marta Harvey
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Matthew Oparowski

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, Matthew Oparowski to the Carefree 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. 

Matthew, a  Midwest/Chicago transplant, has lived in North Scottsdale for over a decade. With a background in new construction with a passion for luxury and from that experience, his desire is to be your resource person for the various luxury communities – what differentiates them.

Matthew can speak to the statistics, as well as the lifestyle trade-offs. Affiliating with the leader in luxury has its perks, including the most powerful marketing on earth. He prides himself on good communication skills and paying attention to detail. 

Learning what clients are looking for and understanding why is a key component to the experience. It’s fun to educate buyers on our market so we can get  them the right property and they can live their dream resort lifestyle.

Matthew Oparowski
Business, Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, Russ Lyon

In The News: March 2022

ABC 15 – Arizona

Arizona Foothills Magazine

AZ Central

Beaumont Enterprise

City Sun-Times

Darik News

Flagstaff Business News

Kold

KTAR

Mansion Global

Patch

Phoenix Business Journal

Quick Telecast

Realtor.com

Robb Report

The Sacramento Bee

Street Scout

Business, Entertainment, Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Wendi Ingram 

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, Wendi Ingram 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. 

“Straight Talk, Solid Service” is what you will receive from Wendi when she guides you through the real estate process in Arizona. Wendi has been a real estate agent for the last 18 years in the Midwest. Wendi comes from Iowa where she was a REALTOR® with the largest private real estate brokerage in the state, Ruhl & Ruhl REALTORS®. Her strong values and ethics helped her receive numerous awards including the Top Agent for Excellence in Service in 2019 and in 2020 was named Chamber Ambassador of the Year for GMICC. 

Wendi is aware of how stressful moving can be. Her goal is to make the process simple and hassle-free. In the aggressive market conditions that Arizona is currently in it is important to have an experienced agent that will be your trusted advisor. As a buyer’s agent, she will consult with you on making the best offer possible for your situation, lead you through the inspection process and assist you in your financing alternatives. As a seller’s agent, she will help navigate you through the multiple offer pros and cons and the steps that you need to take before putting your home on the market to receive the highest offer on your home. 

Wendi feels strongly about continuing to further her education in the ever-changing world of real estate and sharpens her skills, by receiving designations such as her: Certified Residential Specialist (CRS®), Senior Residential Specialist (SRES®), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), e-Pro, Luxury Homes Certification (LHC). 

Wendi and her husband Lane have two adult children, Zach, an IT Analyst at Nationwide Insurance, and Maddie who is a teacher at Fellows Elementary. In her spare time, she likes walking, hiking, being involved in her church, and spending time with family and friends.   

We are excited to welcome Wendi Ingram to our Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty sales team at the Pinnacle Peak Office. I know she will be a great asset to our office and will do a great job representing her clients.

Kevin Gonzales, MANAGING BROKER