Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Samantha Field

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, Samantha Field, 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.

Samantha has called this wonderful community of Flagstaff home since 1997. As a graduate of Northern Arizona University (NAU) with a love for the city of Flagstaff, Samantha has become a community advocate and currently serves on the Friends of Camp Colton Board of Directors.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family. With my intimate knowledge of Flagstaff and the surrounding areas I look forward to engaging with clients so that I may support them in finding their place in this incredible mountain community.”- Samantha Field

With a local’s perspective and deep knowledge of the Northern Arizona communities she serves, Samantha will tailor a real estate experience to meet your needs. Her business philosophy is built on integrity, listening skills, attention to detail, and personalized service at every turn.

Samantha has been an amazing leader in our community for many years. Her dedication to supporting youth here in Flagstaff is a testament to her long-term commitment to improving everyone’s life here in our mountain town. She brings local expertise, incredible integrity, and absolute excellence to our profession. We are proud to have her in our real estate family. If you want to find the best snow on the mountain or best trails for biking, follow her. But be careful, she goes really fast.

Bret Lamberson, MANAGING BROKER
Architecture, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Real Estate, Travel

Iconic Estates: Toast to the Best Bars and Wine Cellars 

Nothing is more luxurious than a home wine cellar, in-home bar, or both! Whether an oenophile, collector, or casual sipper, having a wine cellar or bar in your home becomes an instant feature that draws the eye and becomes a focal point and gathering spot for entertaining. The traditional underground cellars for wine storage are given glam updates with tasting areas and uplighting; while more modern wine storage comes in the form of glass-encased walls featuring the most prized bottles.

Our home’s amenities are more important now than ever, with the trend going toward outfitting the home with a variety of activities, collections, and entertainment so we can all live luxuriously from the comfort of our own abode. Why not live in a beautiful home that feels like your own, personal resort?

If you’re on the hunt for a home with a wine cellar or bar, don’t miss the luxury estates offered by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Russ Lyon’s lifestyle specialists are ready to help you find the perfect fit in a home fit for entertaining and more.

Raise a glass and cheers to this installment of ICONIC Estates!

It’s not as if we need a reason to open a bottle of bubbly. But if there is one ICONIC occasion that begs for the pop of a cork, it’s Valentine’s Day. Whether your February 14 plans entail time spent with a special someone or a relaxing evening home alone, the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on all of the love in your life. Fill your flute with the iridescent effervescence of one of these wonderful sparkling wines and Champagnes and toast to friends, family, and even faithful, furry companions—those who are always there for you, time and again. Enjoyed with another, or relished solo, these bubbles can’t help but beguile.

If you’re in Palm Springs in February, you might be able to see where noted architect Albert Frey pursued both healthful living and design. The circa-1964 Frey house is one of dozens of Mid-Century homes open for tours during Modernism Week, Palm Springs’ eleven-day lovefest of post-World War II design that runs February 17-27. It features more than 300 ticketed events that include not only home tours—including celeb dwellings—but a smorgasbord of activities, such as presentations and discussions, films, a golf tournament, and plenty of parties. Modernism Week was launched in 2006 as part of two established programs—the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Council Symposium and the Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale.

There is no shortage of fabulous hotels in the Maldives, which can make deciding where to stay during travel tricky. With over 100 hotels, you are truly spoiled for choice. The biggest decision you need to make is choosing between a smaller, intimate resort or a larger resort with more amenities. Both have their benefits. At a boutique resort, you feel as if you’re on your own private island, the service is ultra-personal and the ambiance can be magical. On the other hand, larger resorts have many more amenities and restaurants that serve multiple types of cuisine. So, what’s the solution? We recommend beginning your trip at an intimate private island then switching to a larger resort halfway through.

Uncategorized

The importance of water to our industry and tips for water conservation. 

Make no mistake; water is the fuel that drives the real estate engine in Arizona. 

Imagine if you could not provide gas for your vehicle. How much do you think your car would be worth? Gary Brasher, manager of our Tubac office, feels that we all know the answer to that question, and the same applies to real estate if we have no water to meet our needs and the community at large.

The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) Conservation Program provides an integrated approach to water conservation by offering conservation assistance, outreach, education, and information on conservation resources and regulations.

ADWR encourages and promotes the wise and efficient use of water through the development and distribution of conservation resources and tools, water conservation assistance to individuals and communities, participation in outreach activities, and collaboration with regional and national conservation partners.

Brasher believes that it is time for this discussion to be about more than just what politicians or the Arizona Department of Water Resources can do, but include in that discuss what we can do.

Some years ago, when one of Gary’s daughters was in grade school, she had to experiment with environmental credit in one of her classes.   She decided to see how much water was lost by the leaky faucet in her bathroom. The experiment was straightforward. The Brasher family put a gallon jug under the tap for 24 hours and measured how much water was lost each day. The results were surprising. Almost one gallon of water was collected after just 24 hours. According to Gary, it seemed unreal just how much water could be lost “one drip at a time.” 

They extrapolated this result to show that over a week, that would equate to 7 gallons of water or 28 gallons in a month and 336 gallons of water in a year—all of this from one leaky faucet. Suppose one calculates the number of leaky faucets in a home or toilets which run “just a little bit” or irrigation that leaks etc., and multiply that by a million homes. In that case, you can see very quickly how we can make a huge difference by just being aware of our living environment and applying water-saving methods when we see those leaks begin.  

Practicing a low water-use lifestyle is a way everyone can help ensure a long-term, sustainable water supply. Reducing your water use helps meet future needs, results in cost savings, decrease energy use, and helps preserve the environment.

In 2022, let us all make “water responsibility” ‘ a key concept for each of us, and “one drop at a time,” we can collectively make a huge difference in our water future!

I’m so glad that Water is becoming front and center in the real estate conversation in Arizona and I’m so proud of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty for being at the forefront of this effort.

Gary Brasher, tubac Manager
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Chris Gray

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, Chris Gray, 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.

Chris Gray is the founding member of The Gray Group with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. With more than half his life spent in Phoenix, he has lived all over the valley and remains an honorary Phoenician. Chris’ international and domestic experience has made him a powerful asset to Platinum Living in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Chris is a young entrepreneur that is extremely diligent in the needs of his clients. He also has a knack for anticipating what the needs may be and working towards a goal from the very beginning. Chris is dedicated and hardworking, we are pleased to partner with him.

Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Jessica Sparks

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, Jessica Sparks, 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.

Born and raised in Arizona, Jessica Sparks is an enthusiastic member of the real estate community. A graduate of the University of Arizona and the American Institute of Interior Design, Jessica brings both design and real estate to help serve you. Jessica has worked in the home industry, with builders, doing interior design, remodels, and flipping houses for over 20 years. Since becoming a licensed real estate agent in 2015, Jessica works with all buyers, sellers, and investors. Jessica’s experience in the design and home building industry makes her extensive knowledge a valuable asset. If you’re wanting to sell your home, Jessica can help you stage it, update it, and get ready to list.

If you’re wanting to buy a home, Jessica can help you find the perfect home or help make it perfect with her design expertise. During inspections and the contractual phase, Jessica’s knowledge again with homes is another valuable asset to working with her. Jessica puts hard work, energy, and creative service into every detail of your real estate transaction.

Jessica is known for her unparalleled customer service, consistent communication, strong attention to detail and ensures a positive experience for all parties in a transaction. Jessica turns clients into lifelong friendships and values her clients and their referrals. Jessica loves helping people find the right home for them or helping people move into the next phase of their lives. Your home should be your place of peace and comfort, and she will help you achieve that.

When Jessica is not at a home site or working with clients, you will find her on a baseball or football field watching one of her 3 sons. They live a very active lifestyle and enjoy the outdoors in AZ year-round. Jessica was born in Tucson and has lived in Phoenix for 20 years in the Scottsdale and Gilbert areas. She recently moved back “home” to Tucson to live close to her family with her 3 sons and works full time in both Tucson and Phoenix.

We are pleased to welcome Jessica Sparks back home to her Tucson roots after spending the past 20 years in the Phoenix area. Jessica’s knowledge of Tucson, interior design, and years of real estate sales will provide her clients the best our brand offers.

Will Rose, Managing Broker
Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Christina Gignoux

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, Christina Gignoux, 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.

Christina is a Phoenix native and a married mother of six children. She has moved her family five times before landing in Arizona again in 2015 after a stint in Kansas City. Christina’s family loves to explore and spend time in Sedona. Her downtime is filled with cooking, reading, kid’s activities, and fun with friends. Christina Gignoux is pleased to join the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family as a Jessica Schaefer Real Estate Team member.

As a member of the Schaefer Team, Christina has effectively managed a range of client needs. Christina’s psychology and elementary education background help her provide a calm, welcoming, and reliable atmosphere for her clients to open up about their wishes and dreams. She has an eye for matching the right home for your family and lifestyle needs. Dedication to a smooth and successful transaction is our team’s goal for every client. As your advocate on the front lines and behind the scenes, we will walk you through the home selling and buying process from market analysis, home searches, intense negotiations, all the way to a smooth closing. Christina sees the big picture and imagines the unique possibilities of each property, whether you are selling or buying. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty will help Christina give her clients the premier service they deserve when buying or selling their most valuable asset.

Christina is an entrepreneur that is extremely diligent in the needs of her clients. She is dedicated and hardworking, we are pleased to partner with her.

Kevin Gonzales, MANAGING BROKER
Uncategorized

In the News: January 2022

EIN News

Concierge Auctions Ends 2021 with Sotheby’s and Realogy Acquisition, $3.4B+ in Global Bids, World Record-Setting Sales

Cision News Wire

Realogy Boasts More Top Leaders

Rob Report

Attention Movie Buffs: This $16 Million Scottsdale Estate Has a $500,000 Home Theater

Az Central

Scottsdale home on 2 acres in Estancia sells for $5.5M

Home in North Scottsdale’s Desert Mountain sells for nearly $6M

Inside Tucson Business

$3.7M Foothills Home Sells In Only Three Days

Wall Street Journal

This Scottsdale Home for Sale Has a $500,000 Home Theater

Entertainment, Real Estate

Significant Sales: January 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 January.


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:

544 Windspirit Circle | Prescott
Sold for $1,299,000 | Seller Representation: Laura Spaeth

1416 Vale Lane 33 | Prescott
Sold for $806,000 | Seller Representation: Linda Wood

11082 E. Hunters Way | Cornville
Sold for $1,600,000 | Seller Representation: Jacque Weems & Joy Kim

85 Altair Avenue | Sedona
Sold for $1,515,000 | Seller Representation: Elisa Andreis

85180 Ravens Rock | Sedona
Sold for $1,550,000| Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Ken Robertson & Buyer Representation: Nancy Read

4307 N Placita Del Rodal | Tucson
Sold for $2,750,000 | Seller Representation: Judy Smedes & Kate Herk 6141 E San Cristobal

45241 N Circulo Sobrio | Tucson
Sold for $1,400,000 | Seller Representation: Brian Durkin, Susan Neitzel, & Anne Ferro

6141 E San Cristobal St | Tucson
Sold for $1,200,000 | Seller Representation: Alison Bell

80 Kenyon Ranch Rd | Tubac
Sold for $2,400,000 | Dual Representation: Gary Brasher & Catherine Marrero

614 Avenida Gutierrez | Tubac
Sold for $1,515,000 | Dual Representation: Marty Durkin

10708 E Calle Del Cascabel | Gold Canyon
Sold for $1,599,000 | Seller Representation: Sharon Steele

7135 S St. Ruben Ave. | Gilbert
Sold for $1,650,000 | Seller Representation: Jeremy and Elizabeth Wilson

1631 N Mariposa Rd. | Flagstaff
S
old for $1,018,000 | Seller Representation: Lana Malone

3485 Straberry Roan | Flagstaff
Sold for $1,195,000 | Seller Representation: Nicole Cumbie
“Significant because it was Nicole’s first sale over $1m!” – Bret Lamberson, Branch Manager

495 N Moriah Dr | Flagstaff
Sold for $1,200,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Trina Painter & Buyer Representation: Rosemary Lamberson
“Significant because it was the highest townhome sale ever outside of private golf communities and Trina and Rosie put it together in-house, off-market.” – Bret Lamberson, Branch Manager

7453 N 70th Street | Paradise Valley
S
old for $7,000,000 | Seller Representation: Frank Aazami & Zoya Pedenko

6050 N Paradise View Drive | Paradise Valley
S
old for $3,200,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Josie Pakula & Racquel Miller & Buyer Representation: Wendy Mackenzie

9765 E Sundance Trail | Scottsdale
S
old for $3,585,000 | Seller Representation: Jane Blacker


Significant Buyer Representations:

  • 20 Donaldson Drive | Sedona
    • Sold for $1,100,000
    • Buyer Representation: Nancy Read
  • 24745 S Lindsay Road | Chandler
    • Sold for $1,630,000
    • Buyer Representation: Christine Fox
  • 2765 Greenside Place | Green Valley AZ
    • Sold for $715,000
    • Buyer Representation: Mary Claire & Tim Grotheer

*These listings were selected by each branch’s manager.

Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Annette Henderson

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, Annette Henderson, 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.

Annette began her Real Estate career in 2003. As a service-oriented agent, she has been ranked amongst the top 1% in the nation for many years! Her love of design, knowledge of construction and remodeling is immense. Recently making a change from Berkshire Hathaway to Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, she’s certain that sharing the world’s top agency’s collective ability to find, market, and sell properties has exponentially enhanced her value in the industry!

We are so fortunate to have Annette Henderson as part of our award-winning Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Family. She brings with her years of experience. I attribute much of her success to her beautiful calm demeanor. She is able to tackle the most difficult situations with grace and efficiency. Her attention to detail and her ability to problem solve combined with her high-level customer service have helped her to develop a process that allows a smooth transition for her clients.

Cathy Green, MANAGING BROKER
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Tom Newell

Long-term title sales executive becomes Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s new director of agent and business development.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Arizona’s leader in the luxury market is honored to welcome Tom Newell as their Director of Agent and Business Development. Newell will be tasked with working with the firm’s agents on expanding their technical knowledge while also looking for additional ways to improve the agent and client experience.

Prior to joining the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family, Newell spent the last three
decades with First American Title in the north Scottsdale territory. Holding positions such as a Property Research Analyst, Home Builder Sales Rep, Residential Sales Manager and working his way
up as the Senior Sales Executive, Newell excelled in bringing new business to the title company and
trained others through eight different applications that realtors use to apply to their particular
marketing needs.

“I am thrilled to be joining Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty,” said Newell. “The brand
name is synonymous with high-end real estate and unique properties across the globe. With over $7
billion in closed transactions in 2021, they are a perfect fit for me from the culture of the company
and upper management, to the professionalism of its agents, to dominating the luxury market in the
Valley of the Sun and statewide.”


Newell moved to Arizona over 40 years ago from Cleveland and has built an enriching life here in
the Valley. He graduated from ASU with a degree in business in 1987 and is an avid Suns, Sun
Devils, and Cardinals fans. Newell’s family consists of his wife, Helena, two daughters, Kelsey (31)
and Nichol (29) and two fur babies, Niko and Lucy. Newell is happiest when he’s with family and
friends, hiking, skiing, or relaxing by the pool.


Inspired by the late Jim Valvano, Newell believes that “there are three things we all should do every
day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day.
Number two thinks. You should spend some time in thought. Number three is, you should have
your emotions moved to tears, which could be happiness or joy. But think about it: If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”


I am thrilled to be joining Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, one of the top Luxury Real Estate Brokerages in the industry! The brand name is synonymous with high-end real estate and unique properties across the Globe!

Locally, being part of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, with over 7 billion in closed transactions in 2021, is a perfect fit for me from the culture of the company and upper management, to the professionalism of its agents, to dominating the Luxury market in the Valley of the Sun and Statewide!

Tom Newell,  Director of Business Development