Browsing Tag

Arizona

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
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, 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
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Carla Anaya

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty names New Director of Relocation with more than 30 years in the real estate industry.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Arizona’s leader in the luxury market, is honored to welcome Carla Anaya as its newest Director of Relocation. Having already spent 20 years as Vice President of Relocation Services in New Mexico for Coldwell Banker Legacy, Anaya is eager to foster relationships and serve those in the Grand Canyon state.


Carla Anaya’s ambition shines forth as she has a proven history of client engagement and relationship
building, sales and marketing, business development, overseeing operations, managing programs,
and revenue growth. In her previous position, Carla helped her team grow annual sales from
$30,000 to $1 million over the last five years. Carla and her team have also received national awards
such as the Cartus Platinum Designation and the coveted USAA Eagle Award.


A corporate leader with abilities to promote company vision and embrace change, Carla oversaw five different areas in Albuquerque and Las Cruces New Mexico, Midland, San Angelo, and El
Paso, Texas. She was also a member of the Coldwell Banker Legacy Leadership Team, Relocation
Directors Council, Employee Relocation Council, and the Coldwell Banker Large Office Group.
Carla’s designations include Certified Relocation Professional in 2007 and Global Destination
Specialist in 2018.


Family is a big part of Carla’s life. A twin herself, Carla has been married for nearly 30 years to her
husband Michael, and they have a 21-year-old son named Stone. Some of her hobbies include
watching football, both professional and collegiate, and golfing with her husband Michael.

I feel very fortunate and I am thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Family! I am amazed by the professionalism of the management team, grateful for the support from the owners, and heartened by all of the warm welcomes from everyone at this wonderful company.

CARLA ANAYA, Director of Relocation
Entertainment, History, Russ Lyon

The Year 1947

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and travel back to 1947.

What happened in 1947?

  • It was the first year of the Cold War, which would last until 1991, ending with the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
  • Congress passes Taft-Hartley Act, restricting labor unions
  • Henry Ford dies, leaving behind a fortune of over $600 million
  • Americans can purchase the first new cars manufactured since the beginning of World War II
  • President Truman formulated the “Truman Doctrine” of providing aid to countries whose governments are threatened with overthrow
  • U.S. Secretary of State George Marshall called for a European recovery effort, popularly called the “Marshall Plan.”
  • India and Pakistan proclaimed independent nations
  • Britain nationalizes its coal industry.
  • Britain’s Princess Elizabeth marries Phillip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh.
  • World Series: New York Yankees over Brooklyn, 4-3 (first televised World Series)
  • Jackie Robinson becomes the first African-American player in a major league baseball team (Brooklyn Dodgers)
  • Over 1 million veterans enrolled in college through the G.I. Bill
  • First food processors
  • The average cost of a loaf of bread was 13 cents
  • The start of the Cold War endured over four decades, from circa 1947 until the decline and eventual collapse of East European and Soviet state communism in the late 1980s.
  • 1945 to 1947, to win independence, underground Jewish militias waged a bitter guerilla war against the British, including bombing attacks against British Military Headquarters
  • 1947 November 29th The United Nations Special Committee on Palestine recommended the partition of Palestine into two separate states, one Arab and one Jewish
  • UFO allegedly found on July 7 in the Roswell UFO incident
  • National Security Act is created.
  • The CIA was established.
  • The classic holiday film “Miracle on 34th Street” premieres.
  • Howard Hughes Flying Boat ( The Spruce Goose ) takes off but will never go into production.

What happened in Arizona in 1947?

  • A fire destroyed all but four of Phoenix’s electric streetcars in October.
  • The city begins the process of transitioning to a public bus transit system.
  • The Phoenix Charter Revision Committee is formed.
  • Russ Lyon Realty is founded.
  • Phoenix Symphony Orchestra is founded.
  • Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce was formed, and Scottsdale leaders made a conscious effort to promote a particular identity linked to the Old West, as a reflection of the city’s roots and as a tourist draw.
  • The New York Giants start spring training in Phoenix.

1947: Cost of Living

  • The average cost of a new house was $6,600.00
  • Average wages per year $2,850.00
  • The cost of a gallon of Gas is 15 cents
  • Average Cost New Car $1,300.00
  • Loaf of Bread was 13 cents
  • The United States Postage Stamp 3 cents
  • Men’s Sweater $8.50
  • Bulova Men’s Watch $52.50
  • Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup 23 cents for 2 cans
  • Leg O Lamb 59 cents per pound
  • Loaf Marvel Enriched Bread 13 cents per loaf
  • Oranges 49 cents per dozen
  • Below are some Prices for UK guides in Pounds Sterling
  • Average House Price 1,824
  • A couple of examples of houses for sale this year
  • Harlingen, Texas New Brick House 5 room house with all furniture included $7,100
  • Long Beach, California Mediterranean style Home with Most beautiful 2-story modern home overlooking the ocean well cared for grounds $37,500

Who was born this year?

  • January 8th: David Bowie
  • February 2nd: Farrah Fawcett 
  • March 25th: Elton John
  • April 12th: David Letterman
  • May 2nd: James Dyson
  • July 5th: Judge Joe Brown
  • July 18th: Steve Forbes
  • July 30th: Arnold Schwarzenegger 
  • September 1: Stephen King
  • September 27th: Meat Loaf 
  • August 14th: Danielle Steel 
  • October 26th: Hillary Rodham Clinton
  • November 8th: Minnie Riperton

What technology was there?

  • First “instant camera” Camera History shown
  • Saab produces its first automobile.
  • Goodrich Manufacturers’ first Tubeless Tyre
  • Howard Hughes Flying Boat ( The Spruce Goose ) takes off but will never go into production.
  • The Transistor is invented
  • Walter Morrison invents the Frisbee.
  • ENIAC, one of the world’s first digital computers, is turned on after a memory upgrade (operated until 1955).
  • The Sound Barrier is Broken (Traveling faster than Sound)
  • First LP’s History of HiFi and Music Players and Media produced.
  • Inventions Invented by Inventors and Country (or attributed to first use)
    • Artificial Intelligence – England by Alan Turing
    • Mobile Phone – USA
    • Transistor – the USA from Bell Laboratories
    • Hologram – Hungary by Denis Gabor

Other News

  • 1931 Statute of Westminster
  • New Zealand ratifies the 1931 Statute of Westminster, which provides Effective Legislative Independence from Great Britain
  • Ferrari began production of Italian sports cars after having been involved in motor racing since 1929
  • Ammonium nitrate cargo of SS Grandcap explodes in Texas City, Texas – 552 dead, 3000 injured
  • Everglades National Park is dedicated as a National Park by President Harry S. Truman
  • A major strike closes The Paris subway
  • 50 separate Forest fires in Maine and surrounding states destroy more than two hundred thousand acres
  • Hurricane in southeast Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama – 51 killed
  • Earthquake in Chilean Andes – 233 dead
  • Severe Snow Storm Northeastern part of the United States
  • Tornado strikes Woodward, Oklahoma, killing 107
  • Polaroid Land Camera Demonstrated giving photos in 60 seconds
  • First Of The Dead Sea Scrolls Found in caves near Wadi Qumran
  • Following the creation of the National Coal Board in 1946, Great Britain nationalizes Coal mines in 1947.
  • The four largest British rail companies Great Western Railway (GWR), the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), and the Southern Railway (SR), were taken over by the government and turned into the Nationalised British Railway.
  • Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth marries the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey, London.
  • On January 1st, The Canadian Citizenship Act passed in 1946, converting British subjects into Canadian citizens.
  • The first Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Fringe festival opens for the performing arts.

Source: https://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1947.html

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947

Source: https://www.babyboomers.com/1947

Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon WElcomes Joshua Cherry

The team of experienced agents continues to grow with Valley’s leader in luxury real estate.

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, Joshua Cherry, 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. 

A Sedona native, Joshua Cherry worked as a private tour guide providing one-of-a-kind adventures around northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona’s many unique destinations. Now he translates his passion for educating the public about this beautiful area into helping families find their forever home. In addition to providing private tours, Joshua’s professional career has been in sales and marketing. He has worked as a mortgage agent, life & health insurance agent, and resort vacation sales agent. The experience of being able to provide his clients with value and help them leave a legacy has motivated him to follow his dream to become a real estate agent. Playing a significant role in helping families find what they are looking for in a home is an experience like no other, it is something that truly brings him joy.

Joshua chooses to represent Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty because he values the fine art, the high prestige, and luxury provided. No other brand can come close to a high level of service and cutting-edge technology. Outside of Joshua’s passion for the arts and real estate, he believes in giving back to the community and helping others in need. Whether assisting in the community or having a heartfelt conversation with a friend, Joshua is always there to lend a hand. 

In his leisure time, Joshua enjoys vacationing with his family, attending his son’s sporting events, and taking his daughters to the pool. 

Joshua Cherry’s best attribute, among  many good ones, is his attitude and enthusiasm.  He’s not afraid to work hard and ask the right questions.  And I know he treats all of his clients like they were part of his family.

Tod Christensen, Managing Broker
Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon Welcomes Zachary Meyer

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, Zachary Meyer, 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. 

Zachary Meyer is an entrepreneur with a passion for excellence. As an effective negotiator, he maintains constant communication throughout the buying and selling process. He believes that honesty and integrity is always the best practice.

Through extensive research of the housing market, he is able to understand the current level of competition as it relates to supply and demand. He skillfully applies this knowledge and listens to his client’s needs, to ensure the best possible outcome.

As a real estate advisor – Zachary’s goal is to help successfully navigate every step of the transaction. 

Zachary has a quest for knowledge that is insatiable. He cares about being better, doing more and educating his clients to the extreme. Having him as part of our team is an honor.

Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker
Business, Real Estate

Russs Lyon SIR Welcomes Sara Vangraefschepe

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, Sara Vangraefschepe, 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. 

Sara has lived in the valley for over 13 years total. Sara made the move to Arizona in 2000 from her home state of South Dakota and Arizona quickly became home to her. Sara found her passion as a real estate professional after transitioning from the financial industry in 2008 –a successful change that leads to her obtaining a real estate license in 2 states. This has given Sara a diverse background in understanding a broad range of real estate laws, financing, and processes across multiple states. Sara can relate and better assist her clients in the process of selling and buying while relocating to or from Arizona, as she has also done it herself!

Whether you are buying or selling your home, looking to invest in residential real estate, or simply trying to find the perfect second home in the Valley of the Sun, Sara has the experience, knowledge, and service you deserve in a  REALTOR®. Sara’s number one focus is dedicating herself to her clients whole-heartedly, by building relationships based on trust, loyalty, and understanding the needs and wants of her clients. 

When she is not working, her favorite way to spend her time is with her husband and 2 children, biking, hiking, playing/watching sports, doing house projects, and traveling.

Sara’s skills are evident from the moment you meet her. She’s on top of her game and knows what she wants. She will guide her clients through this process with grace.

Kevin Gonzales, Managing Broker
Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon Welcomes Sheral James

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, Sheral James, 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. 

As a 4th generation Arizonan from a founding family, Sheral James is passionate about our State and assisting individuals and businesses become acclimated and flourish here.

With an eye towards real estate beginning in college at Arizona State University, Sheral graduated with a Business Administration degree, with emphasis on all components of the Real Estate market. Through her career in leadership positions in the commercial and residential real estate industry, Sheral developed a passion for working with clients from the conception of their project, above and beyond trouble-shooting throughout the process and continuing post-project by maintaining communication and continuing to respond to their needs.

Now, coming full circle back to a total focus in the residential real estate field, Sheral brings her experience to benefit clients, both in the marketing of their properties and assisting in every facet of their transition, as well as in working hand in hand to consider all options in finding the perfect environment in which to live their best lives. She has extensive experience working with individuals and companies who are moving to our market, which benefits Sellers in providing eyes on their property that clients would not typically have access to.

Profiled in Arizona Business Magazine, with an article entitled “Outside the Box”, Sheral is a diverse individual and an “idea person”, drawing from extensive resources to assist her clients. Her personal interests are many, from running and biking several marathons, hiking throughout the southwest, sailing in our many beautiful lakes and on both coasts, skiing the wonderful slopes in several states, to animal rescue efforts. No matter where your interests lie, Sheral is passionate about contributing to the community and in connecting those new to the area with community assets, activities and charitable organizations.

Sheral has a strong belief and personal requirement of doing less better and doing ordinary things extraordinarily well, so you can be assured Sheral’s focus will be on your needs, small or large. She is truly excited to meet you and facilitate your next move in life!