Architecture, Business, Real Estate

Sotheby’s International Realty® Brand Expands Presence in Arkansas

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Desselle Real Estate is the newest member of its global network and will now operate as Capital Sotheby’s International Realty. The addition marks the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand’s continued growth in Arkansas and its second company in the state.

Owned and operated by Susan Desselle, the firm is located in Little Rock, Arkansas and brings 14 years of experience and 12 sales associates serving Little Rock, Central Arkansas, and the surrounding region.

“The luxury residential real estate market in Little Rock, Arkansas continues to see increased interest and demand for exceptional, high-end properties,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty. “We are pleased to welcome Susan and Capital Sotheby’s International Realty to the network and to service the Central Arkansas region.”

“From historic registered homes to pristine lakes, Central Arkansas is a budding destination for those looking for a home that matches their lifestyle,” said Desselle. “We intend to serve our clients’ real estate needs for life. Our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty enables us to deliver the best experience possible and provide Central Arkansas homeowners with the world’s most exceptional platform for advertising and marketing real estate.”

The company and its agents actively support the local community in various leadership roles and involvement, including the University of Arkansas Real Estate Advisory Board, Little Rock Realtors Association, Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation, and many others. The company has also received numerous accolades annually, including recognition by the Arkansas Realtors Association and the Little Rock Realtors Association.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 23,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in 1,000 offices in 71 countries and territories worldwide. In 2019, the brand achieved a record global sales volume of $114 billion USD. Capital Sotheby’s International Realty listings will be 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 23, 2020 by
Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Aunesty Jantz

Lisa Wadey's head shot

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, Aunesty Jantz, 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.

Aunesty Jantz is originally from Tucson, Arizona. She attended the University of Arizona and achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She grew up in a very competitive household and enjoyed playing a wide range of sports; swimming, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, wrestling, football, softball, and also ran track.

Aunesty is ecstatic to be a part of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty team and is ready to help others find their dream home! 

As a Tucson native and graduate of the University of Arizona, Aunesty Jantz brings a wealth of knowledge of the Tucson area to her clients. She additionally has a background in residential home construction and design.

Will Rose, Managing Broker
October 21, 2020 by
Business, Education, Inspiration, Real Estate, Technology

Deems Dickinson Elected to The Realty Alliance Board of Directors

Owners and principals of several of the largest real estate firms in North America during their stockholders meeting October 7 unanimously elected President and Designated Broker, Deems Dickinson, of Scottsdale based Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty (Russ Lyon SIR) to the board of directors of The Realty Alliance, a network of top-producing brokerages.

The Realty Alliance (TRA) comprises of 70 full-service, residential real estate companies, representing more than 130,000 salespeople and several thousand support staff and employees of affiliated businesses such as mortgage, title, insurance and property management. The organization allows member firms to keep their own brand, but if measured against the top names in real estate, The Realty Alliance would be in the top three in the world measured by sales volume, transactions and agent count.

Deems’ experience includes receiving REALTOR® Emeritus Status at the end of 2019 with the National Association of REALTORS® for his 40 years of membership and service which have been spent with Russ Lyon SIR. He currently sits on the Arizona Regional MLS Board of Directors as well as the Arizona Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards Committee. Most recently he has been ranked among the top 200 brokers nationwide in the Swanepoel Power 200 Ranking.

Dickinson will help plan and direct the activities of the organization, which include developing and implementing support services for member companies, as well as overseeing the network’s advocacy efforts as it works to shape policy and practice within the industry and with various lawmakers and regulators. Ultimately the group seeks to improve the homebuying experience for consumers and to help brokers and their salesforce be more efficient. Dickinson will begin his three-year term November 1.

Russ Lyon SIR joined TRA in 2003, six years after major brokerages formed the organization. The Russ Lyon SIR marketing, technology and accounting divisions participate in various TRA initiatives and conferences to collaborate with all members all over the nation.

Deems has been an active contributor to The Realty Alliance for many years. He and his firm have demonstrated thought leadership within our organization and through the growth of their own company during the challenges of the last several years. His perspective will be valuable as our board looks to provide guidance to our member companies in the coming months to help them adjust to changing consumer needs and expectations and to opportunities created by new technologies and new business models.

Craig Cheatham, President and CEO of The Realty Alliance

October 19, 2020 by
Architecture, Business, COVID-19, Entertainment, Fitness, Life, Multi Purpose, Real Estate

Homegating 2020

With attendance at sports events on hold, “home-gating” is the new tailgating and no one effortlessly combines outdoor entertaining with luxury-living like Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate presents its most lavish top “home-gating” properties.   Six reasons that make “home-gating” the new alternative to traditional tailgating in 2020.   

The first stop on the exclusive “home-gating” tour is a 5 bed 7.5 bath one-level home in Desert Mountain. Located at 42725 N 102nd St, this property is listed at $10,999,999 by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Tami Henderson. Dissappearing Glass Walls between the backyard and the kitchen, dining, and living rooms along with a 25-meter infinity pool, rainfall water feature and linear fire pit will keep guests entertained for hours at this exquiste estate that spares no expense on its grandeur and awe-factor. 

Next on the tour head north to Flagstaff, Arizona for a rare and beautifully built Dennis Dixon home that sits on 2.23 tree covered acres.  Offering the ideal outdoor space for entertaining, the home is located at 1485 Tolchaco Rd.  The 5 bed 4.5 bath home is listed at $1,600,00 by Agent’s Valerie Core, and Freddi Paulsrud of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and boasts a full bar with an abundance of outdoor entertainment space for guests. From the moment guests walk through the grand archway, they will be greeted with soaring 19-foot ceilings on their way to one of many entertainment spaces, including a private guest retreat. 

The third stop on the “home-gating” tour takes us to Tucson for a Santa Barabara style home. The 3 bed 3 bath home, listed at $1,595,000 by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Susanne Grogan, boasts an a generous Chef’s kitchen that includes Quartz counters and a full butler’s pantry for the ultimate“home-gate.” Located at 2255 E Ambassador Ct., the home also includes sprawling entertaining spaces outside  with a covered outdoor seating and built-in BBQ that opens to the dining area and kitchen, allowing for inside-outside entertainment space. 

Back in the Valley, the fourth stop on the tour on showcases at an exquisite Spanish Colonia Candelaria designed estate in Paradise Valley. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Michel Edery is offering this grand estate at 5239 E Roadrunner Rd for $3,000,000. Among the other jaw dropping amenities, the 7 bed 6.5 bath estate offers the ultimate rooftop “home-gating” experience. Sports fans can enjoy the breathtaking nearby mountain views by while enjoying a full kitchen and bar setting under the stars.  There’s also an adjacent home theatre when ready to head indoors.

Host the “home-gate” of your dreams at 23035 N Church Rd in Scottsdale. The 7 bed 10 bath estate sits on over 8 acres with an array of outdoor entertainment. Listed at $7,299,000 by agents, Frank Aazami and David Mayo of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, the secluded estate is home to fire pits, an outdoor tennis court, pools, and a full outdoor kitchen and BBQ. Be the envy of all “home-gaters” at this exquisite property.  After watching the big game, guests can also head to the wine room for a 2006 Bordeaux or take a break at the putting green, and relax in the steam shower. 

The final stop on the tour brings us to 19042 N 102nd St, a 4 bed 7.5 bath Bing Hu designed Custom Home in Scottsdale. Listed at $5,900,000 by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Chey Castro this high-end estate can host a variety of “home-gates”. Whether in the movie theater, or in the luxurious outside seating area, enjoy a breath-taking upstairs bar that opens to a 1,000-square-feet of covered patio space with a fireplace and incredible views of the city lights. 

View more homes to homegate at here

October 16, 2020 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

September Significant Sales

Another amazing month for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty! From a $4,500,000 estate in Paradise Valley Farms estate to a luxury Sedona ranch with Oak Creek running through the property, here are our top September Significant Sales.

Seller Representation | Lori Finnerty | $4,500,000 | Scottsdale, AZ

Dual Representation: Anne Morrissey, Karen Baldwin, Bee Francis, Kathleen Benoit. Katherine Reed, Hugh Reed, Stacey Vandivert | $3,700,000 | Scottsdale, AZ

Buyer Representation | Allan MacDonald | $3,675,000 | Scottsdale, AZ

Dual Representation | Frank Aazami, Michel Edery, Johnathon DeYoung | $3,500,000 | Phoenix, AZ

Seller Representation | Johnathon DeYoung | $3,500,000 | Paradise Valley, AZ

View our full list of September Significant Sales below

October 15, 2020 by
Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR WElcomes Chris Demas

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 Demas, 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. 

Chris Demas and his wife, Anne, returned to Tucson after a 17-year hiatus upon retiring from an academic surgical career. He has always been enamored with real estate and brings the same diligence he was committed to utilizing in the operating room to serve my clients. Chris knows what the responsibility of being on call means, and he is responsive, organized, and detail oriented. The same way that he listens to his patients is how he listens to his clients delivering the high quality service they desire.

Chris and his wife live in the foothills of Tucson in the Ventana Canyon neighborhood. They are avid golfers, pickleball players and love to hike the mountain trails near our community.

October 15, 2020 by
Architecture, Business, Entertainment, Golf, Real Estate

Joanie Barreiro Represents the Buyer of a $6,050,000 Scottsdale Estate

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty (Russ Lyon SIR) is proud to announce that Joanie Barreiro of the Russ Lyon SIR Desert Mountain office represented the seller of a $6,050,000 Scottsdale estate located within the Upper Canyon of the prestigious Silverleaf community.

The 7,698 SF custom Mediterranean home designed by architect CP Drewett and built by Sonora West Development, offers 6-bedrooms, 6.5-bathrooms, dramatic curb appeal and breathtaking views of the Valley from nearly every room. The smart floor plan features key spaces on the main level and includes a walk-out lower level guest retreat. The home features the finest outdoor living essentials with a pool, BBQ center and covered patio with a fireplace to enjoy the panoramic views.

October 14, 2020 by
Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Jessica Koc

 Lisa Wadey's head shot

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 Koc, 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. 

Originally from Los Angeles, Jessica moved to Tucson and fell in love with it’s gorgeous landscape and rich culture! She began flipping homes and opened an interior design and luxury tile business. She used her eye for design, trends, and luxury to find countless homes with incredible potential. With her background in marketing at a national property management company she is eager to help with investment properties and secondary residences as well.

As her clients, you are her number one priority and her attention to detail and listening to her clients wishes is beyond compare. Jessica knows all of her client’s situations are unique and strives to exceed her clients expectations. 

Jessica Koc will be a wonderful addition to the Tucson Team at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Jessica originally hails for Los Angeles and is fluent in the Spanish language. She has an entrepreneurial spirit combined with her knowledge of architecture, design and construction which will be an added benefit for her buyers and sellers.

Will Rose, Managing Broker
October 7, 2020 by
Business, Education, Entertainment, Inspiration, Life

Jeff Fields Wins National Award for Preventing Teen Suicide

The National Association of Realtors® today announced Jeff Fields, with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in Scottsdale, as one its five 2020 Good Neighbor Award winners. As a volunteer and past board president of nonprofit Teen Lifeline, Fields has served more than 28,000 youth through a peer-to-peer teen crisis hotline while providing community education on suicide prevention.

NAR’s Good Neighbor Awards honor 10 Realtors® annually for making an extraordinary impact on their communities through volunteer work. Over the past 21 years, the Good Neighbor Awards program has awarded nearly $1.4 million in grants to more than 200 Realtor®-led nonprofits. Their impact has been felt in 40 states, 15 countries and in Puerto Rico. 

Our Good Neighbor Award winners leave a remarkable impact on their communities every year, but everything these Realtors® have done in 2020 is even more impressive and more commendable. I am proud to honor Jeff Fields for dedicating his time and passion to giving hope to teens who had none.” 

NAR President Vince Malta, broker at Malta & Co., Inc., in San Francisco, Calif.

Fields became passionate about saving teens from what he calls “the most preventable death” after losing several friends to suicide. To read his full story, go to magazine.realtor/JeffFields.   

With the award, Fields will receive a $10,000 grant for his charity and will be featured in the November-December issue of Realtor® Magazine. In lieu of the traditional ceremony held every year at the REALTORS® Conference and Expo, each winner will also be honored by their local Realtor® associations over the coming months. 

October 7, 2020 by
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Michael Konefal

Lisa Wadey's head shot

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, Michael Konefal, 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. 

Michael has been an Arizona resident since 1989 and fell in love with Arizona from the moment he arrived. In 2001 Michael attended Northern Arizona University and earned his bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with a Minor in Spanish. In 2005 he began his first company, RisingHy Specialty Sauces, and started his entrepreneurial journey. In 2011 Michael saved a local Tortilla company, the Tortilla Lady, from closing its doors and merged it with RisingHy providing Northern and Central Arizona with high-quality sauces and tortillas.

Michael Konefal and his wife, an Arizona native, currently have two small children and are raising them in the wonderful community of Flagstaff. Michael takes his entrepreneurial spirit into the Real Estate market to locate the perfect home for you and your family. He is a diligent worker who pays close attention to your needs and strives to make you love the home buying and selling experience.

Michael’s extensive experience as a professional in the Flagstaff community, combined with his commitment to excellence and integrity, will bring great success in his real estate practice. As one of the best skiers on the mountain, he can be more than a REALTOR® to his clients and act as a local resource. Michael will be an amazing addition to our team.

Bret Lamberson, Sales Manager
October 5, 2020 by