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 Sarah Ley to our Tucson Office.
Sarah Ley’s professional journey is rooted in Arizona and shaped by decades of entrepreneurial drive, real estate expertise, and a deep commitment to client service.
Raised in Scottsdale, Sarah went on to attend the University of Arizona, where she graduated in December 1990 with a degree in Business Administration and a major in Marketing. That foundation quickly translated into business ownership, as Sarah founded, owned, and operated a successful retail coffee business in Tucson called Not Just Java. With two thriving locations, the venture reflected her early passion for customer experience, branding, and operations—skills that would later become invaluable in her real estate career.
After selling her business, Sarah transitioned into real estate, becoming a licensed Realtor in 1999. She began her career quite literally close to home, selling properties on her former cul-de-sac in Oro Valley’s Mallard Head Place, where she has successfully sold eight homes to date. What started as a neighborhood connection quickly evolved into a long-standing career built on trust, relationships, and results.
Sarah’s dedication to professional growth is evident in her extensive list of designations and certifications. She earned her Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation in July 2001, followed by the Certified New Home Sales Associate (CNHSA) designation from the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association in December 2003. Her expertise in new construction led her to sell three new home subdivisions for local Tucson builders, giving her a well-rounded perspective on both resale and new-build transactions.
In October 2004, Sarah achieved one of the industry’s most respected distinctions: the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation. Awarded to only the top 5% of Realtors nationwide, the CRS designation recognizes professionals who have completed rigorous training and demonstrated exceptional transactional experience.
In addition to residential sales, Sarah has extensive experience representing a local Tucson credit union in foreclosure transactions, further strengthening her ability to navigate complex deals with precision and care.
Since beginning her real estate career in 1999, Sarah has successfully closed more than 500 transactions over nearly three decades. The majority of her business comes from word-of-mouth referrals and repeat clients—a testament to her professionalism, strong negotiation skills, and unwavering advocacy for those she represents.
Above all, Sarah prides herself on providing high-quality customer service and maintaining the highest professional standards. Her clients consistently describe her as knowledgeable, trustworthy, and deeply committed to achieving their goals.
Outside of real estate, Sarah is the proud mother of two adult children who now reside in San Diego County, California.
With a career defined by experience, integrity, and results, Sarah Ley continues to be a trusted resource for buyers and sellers throughout Southern Arizona.
