Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Denise Dunning-Ricketts to our Pinnacle Peak Office.
Denise is a self-starter and accomplished, career-long businesswoman who blends experience with innovation and works tirelessly for her clients to help them achieve their real estate goals. Known for her strong work ethic and client-first mindset, she brings both depth of knowledge and a modern, solutions-driven approach to every transaction.
Moving to the Arcadia area of Phoenix at the age of eleven, Denise witnessed firsthand the growth and transformation of the Valley. This long-term perspective gives her a rare and valuable understanding of Phoenix-area communities, market trends, and neighborhood evolution, allowing her to provide clients with in-depth insight when making important real estate decisions.
Her background reflects a wide range of accomplishments and leadership experiences. Denise was a western horse youth champion, demonstrating early discipline, focus, and determination. She is also a former owner of a renowned French restaurant, where she developed a strong foundation in business operations, customer service, and high-level client care. In addition, she has dedicated significant time to community service, including serving on the Board of the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center and acting as President of Fountain Hills’ ADOG, both organizations focused on the welfare of dogs and native wildlife. She is also a proud Fountain Hills Four Peaks Rotarian, a member of the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee.
As a real estate professional, Denise manages every detail of a transaction with precision and care, emphasizing integrity, communication, negotiation expertise, market knowledge, and exceptional customer service. She is known for her responsiveness and attentiveness, often saying, “I answer my phone and listen to your needs to provide the care and know-how you expect from your real estate advisor.”
Denise first earned her real estate license in the 1980s with a focus on buying and selling investment land in Arizona. After returning to the profession in 2014, she expanded her expertise to include resale homes, second homes, land, horse properties, and new construction across all price points. Born in Chicago, raised in Scottsdale, and a graduate of Harvard University, she has also called San Diego, Cambridge, and Lexington, Massachusetts home.
Today, Denise continues to serve her clients with a level of care, professionalism, and dedication rooted in decades of experience and a genuine passion for helping people find the right place to call home.
