Browsing Tag

Real Estate

Agency, Community, Entertainment, In The News, Inspiration, Real Estate, Russ Lyon

Sotheby’s International Realty Top 100

In celebration of Sotheby’s International Realty®’s record-breaking accomplishment in 2021, the President and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty®, Philip White, has personally invited the Top 100 Sotheby’s International Realty® agents and teams worldwide to celebrate an evening in New York City. This evening will take place on Thursday, November 3, to congratulate and recognize these global real estate advisors’ success and contributions.

Sotheby’s Top 100:

Aazami, Frank – Russ Lyon SIR

Adlam, Chris – Vista SIR

Adlam, Valerie  – Vista SIR

Arias, Ralph – One SIR

Aurich, Scott – Pacific SIR

Baldwin, Karen – Russ Lyon SIR

Behr, Josh – LIV SIR

Benoit, Debi – Gibson SIR

Benoit, Kathleen – Russ Lyon SIR

Boardman, Serena – East Side Manhattan SIR

Bodenchak, Frank  – Bridgehampton SIR 

Bodenchak, Dawn – Bridgehampton SIR 

Boyd, Cam – Steamboat SIR 

Brizolis, K. Ann – Pacific SIR 

Brown, Kevin – East Side Manhattan SIR 

Bullock, Bill – Golden Gate SIR 

Burns, Jeff – Pacific SIR

Burns, Tiffany – Pacific SIR

Cain, John – Pacific SIR

Canning, Jessica – Carmel SIR 

Canning, Nancy – Carmel SIR

Canning, Nie – Carmel SIR

Caras, Jennifer – Vista SIR 

Casabonne, Daniel – Wine Country SonomaSIR 

Corey, Heather – TTR SIR 

Cregan, Lisa  – Palm Beach SIR 

Cregan, John – Palm Beach SIR 

Curkoski, Mirce – One SIR 

Damianos, George – Damianos SIR 

Dickerson, Beth – Gibson 

Dockray, Dan – LIV SIR 

Dreyfus, Michael –  Golden Gate SIR 

Ememann, Andrew – Aspen Snowmass SIR 

Field, Nikki – East Side Manhattan SIR 

Flash Blum, Mara – Downtown Manhattan SIR 

Francis, Bee – Russ Lyon SIR 

Friedman, Jason – Daniel Gale SIR

Friedman, Rudi – Daniel Gale SIR

Goodman, Carrie – San Francisco SIR 

Grant, Harald – Southampton SIR 

Halum, Faisal – Briggs Freeman SIR 

Heider, Daniel – TTR SIR 

Hem, Michael – Prominent Properties SIR 

Hewitt, Susan – Golden Gate SIR 

Iantomo, Eric – Pacific SIR 

Jacka, Rylan – East Hampton SIR 

Janzen-Botts, Jennifer – Pacific SIR  

Justo, Albert – One SIR 

Juvelier, Oriana – Puerto Rico SIR 

Kappel, Brad – TTR SIR 

Klug, Chris – Aspen Snowmass SIR 

Ladd, Brian – Cascade SIR  

Lavey, Eric – Beverly Hills SIR 

Lusk, Anne – Lusk & Associates SIR 

Lynn, Gregg – San Francisco SIR 

Martin, Ginger – St. Helena SIR 

Martinez, Michael – One SIR 

McCafferty, Amy – Golden Gate SIR 

McElwreath, Leslie  – Greenwich SIR 

Miller, Chandra – Maury People SIR 

Miller, Jeff – One SIR 

Mizell, Chase – Atlanta Fine Homes SIR 

Morton, Helena – Ocean Reef Club SIR 

Nakagawa, C.J. – Golden Gate SIR 

Nestler, Mark – One SIR 

Noah, Marc – Beverly Hills SIR

Nobrega, Malia – LIV SIR 

O’Rourke, Lara – Gibson SIR 

Overall, Breck – Sierra SIR 

Peter, Frances – Palm Beach SIR 

Peter, Todd – Palm Beach SIR 

Poletto, John – One SIR 

Post, Russell – Ocean Reef Club SIR 

Queen, Noelle – Golden Gate SIR 

Ramey, Bridget – Kuper SIR 

Rankin, Michael – TTR SIR 

Risko, Victoria – Bewerly Hills SIR 

Robinson, Chelsea – Gibson SIR 

Ryan, Hillary – St. Helea  SIR 

Sabeh, Joseph – Venture SIR 

Sansone, Linda – Pacific SIR 

Sarkissian, Lydia – Golden Gate SIR 

Sarkissian, Magda – Golden Gate SIR 

Schemmel, Joel – Premier SIR  

Schemmel, Toni  – Premier SIR  

Shone, Tina – Wine Country Sonoma SIR 

Siegenthaler, Nina – Turks & Caicos SIR  

Stein, Jeremy – Downtown Manhattan SIR 

Stein, Robin – Downtown Manhattan SIR 

Stern, Ellen – Julia B. Fee SIR

Storch, Wendy – San Francisco SIR

Tarumianz, Lex Aspen Snowmass SIR

Taylor, Molly – Ocean Reef Club SIR

Thomas, Michelle – Premier
SIR

Trotter, Dana – Bridgehampton SIR

Uribe, Jorge – One SIR

VanArsdale, Karen – Premier SIR

VanArsdale, Nina – Premier SIR

Wilcoxon, Kumara – Kuper SIR

Williams, Lea – Tomlinson  SIR

Wolski, Daniel – Russ Lyon SIR

Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Rackensack Mine

Off-Grid Famous Gold Mine Property For Sale Just North of Scottsdale: Rackensack Mine

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is well known for connecting buyers to sellers for many of Arizona’s most gorgeous, custom properties with all of the trappings of comfort. But every once in a while a property comes around that has those trappings yet manages to be so incredibly unique at the same time.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Announces an Off-Grid Famous Gold Mine Property For Sale Just North of Scottsdale.

For starters, at 400 feet from the Scottsdale city limits, it has one of the closest helipads to Scottsdale. No need to fight rush hour traffic with this property.  You can simply helicopter back and forth without opening your car door. Watch this video and see for yourself.

That’s just the start, living near this gold mine property.  The Rackensack Mine property is, true to its name, situated on land that has a gold mine that thousands of people have paid money to tour. Take the speed tour of the mine yourself here.

 Those are just the more idiosyncratic features of this amazing property, however; in essence, it is the ultimate safe haven secluded refuge. Constructed on a cliff, the property is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, 360-degree panoramic views, and 14 potential sites for additional buildings. At 62 acres, to call it expansive would be an understatement. The property currently includes two structures; a two-room guest house and a fitness studio with a patio and bubbling hot spa, and plenty of room to still build your dream house. 

 Finally, if you’ve ever found yourself lamenting the heat during the summer, this is the property for you. Situated at 4,500 feet, you will almost certainly find it to be wonderfully temperate in the summer and might even find some snow in the winter.

Listing Agent Preston Westmoreland has represented numerous Arizona gold mines throughout his 30-year-real-estate-career but this one, he says makes you feel like you are on top of the world. 

I love to explore the desert and have been in over 100 mines over the years and this is one of the most fun mine trips I’ve ever taken, especially with the level tunnels, very exciting. It’s amazing to me, looking from the top of the mountain, how much you can do in a remote off-grid location and talk about a safe haven, even though you’re looking right at the northern boundary of Scottsdale, you’re surrounded by the national forest with gated access.

Preston Westmoreland, listing agent for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.



Between a corporate retreat, a wilderness B&B, a center for eco-tourism, or just your own dream home, the options for this land are endless. You can check out the full listing of this truly unique property here

It is yet another example of how Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty manages to continually showcase incredible bespoke properties.

Architecture, Art, Business, COVID-19, Education, Entertainment, Real Estate, Working From Home

Stay Home | 4 Reasons Why Home Matters

by Sotheby’s International Realty

There are many famous quotes about home – “home is where the heart is,” “there’s no place like home,” and “home is where your story begins,” to name a few. These are sentiments we can get behind now, more than ever. Let’s settle into our favorite spots and take a look at the importance of home.

A Place to Reflect

Home is a place where you feel most comfortable, which is why it feels so good to come home after time away. It’s a place where can you curl up with a good book and the place where your bed and pillow await after a long day. Now that many of us are spending more time in our homes than ever before, we may forget that special feeling of “coming home,” and how nice it is to walk through our own front door every day to a place of warmth and familiarity. Now is a perfect time to reflect on where you’ve been, where you are, and where you want to go in the future – and yes, that can include a travel bucket list.

An Expression of Lifestyle

As many of us are spending more time at home, we’ve been able to better evaluate the everyday functionality, layout, and aesthetic of our households. Our time at home right now affords us the opportunity to experiment with our space and whether it is truly working to best fit our needs. Consider reorganizing drawers, pantries, and closets as an easy weekend project. For something new, consider rearranging the layout of a room, ordering some new accessories or a new patio set, and if you have the time, trying a new paint color. Making small updates to your surroundings helps your home continue to be a place of comfort and inspiration.

Memories and History

A favorite coffee mug from a special trip, a treasured family photo, memories of funny kitchen mishaps, and the first time you walked through the door and called this space home are all things to remember during a time like this – especially if you’re beginning to feel restless. Take a moment to look around your home and take stock of all it has provided over the years – let those memories bring a smile to your face. Remember, just because you’re home doesn’t mean you can’t make new memories; virtually visit a museum or take in a live performance to help pass the time.

A Home Means Hope

Having a place to call home sets you up for success and gives you a hope for a better future. New Story has provided thousands of homes to families in need and now, during this current health crisis, is helping families in the U.S. that are facing homelessness. Learn more about New Story and how you can make a difference and see how they’ve partnered with Icon to revolutionize how they’re building homes on the Apple TV+ series, “Home.”

Home is where the heart is – share your favorite part about your home in the comments below and remember, we’re all in this together.

Architecture, Business, Real Estate

Desert Mountain Retreat Sells for $8.5M

This exquisitely appointed Desert Mountain retreat in Saguaro Forest has been sold by Bee Francis, Kathleen Benoit, Karen Baldwin and Anne Morrissey for $8,500,000.

The home offers breathtaking views of Scottsdale and Phoenix, stunning sunrise vistas and unlimited city lights. Its retracting glass doors showcase the seamless flow from the gracious interior living spaces to an outdoor entertaining paradise with negative-edge beachfront pool, billiard table, dining, kitchen with BBQ and pizza ovens, stone hearth, fire pit, and outdoor heaters. The finest of materials were selected to create this relaxed, transitional-style to promote a casual yet luxurious lifestyle.

Design features include limestone archways, magnificent custom tile and stone counters, French limestone and French oak floors. A magical setting with forever views.


Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Recognized on 2019 REAL trends and Tom Ferry “The Thousand”

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to congratulate Lisa Lucky and Private client Group for their inclusion in the 2019 REAL Trends & Tom Ferry “The Thousand,” a summary of the top 1,000 independent real estate agents and teams in the United States.

The REAL Trends “The Thousand” comprises four categories: the top 250 agents by sides, top 250 agents by sales volume, top 250 teams by sides and top 250 teams by sales volume. Lisa Lucky was ranked #229 in the Top 250 Individual Real Estate Professionals by Sales Volume. Private Client Group was ranked #145 in the Top 250 Real Estate Teams by Sales Volume.

“The recognition of our agents on the “The Thousand” rankings is a result of hard work, extensive market knowledge and the support of the Sotheby’s International Realty, which enables our agents to effectively market and sell extraordinary residences,” said Jim Lyon, Chairman.

“We are proud to have everyone involved with Lisa Lucky and Private Client Group represent our company on this prestigious industry list.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand claimed 41 of the top 250 sales associates in the REAL Trends individual sales volume category, more than any other real estate brand. The brand also had the highest combined individual sales volume from sales associates in the same category.

“Achieving a leading number of sales associates represented in the individual sales volume category of the REAL Trends rankings is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Sotheby’s International Realty affiliated professionals,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty. “Agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty demand more of themselves to set the highest standard in the business. This dedication made a record $112 billion in global sales volume for Sotheby’s International Realty possible in 2018. I am proud to honor the companies and sales associates represented on this list and their commitment to their clients and the industry.”

Click here to see the complete list of Sotheby’s International Realty brand affiliated sales associates represented on “The Thousand.”

A part of the Lucky Team are: Lisa Lucky, Matt Lucky, Laura Lucky, Kelly Hobrock, Meghan Marum 

A part of Private Client Group are: Frank AazamiDavid Arustamian, Bill Bulaga, Jaclyn Brand, Chey Castro, Alisha Collinson, Michel Edery, Mardi Kirkland, David Mayo, Jennifer Parks-Sturgeon, Bill Ramseyer, Nancy Read, Thomas Scott, David Smith, Barry Van Patten II, Alan Zieder

Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Caroline Cancel

After relocating to Arizona several years ago from New York City, Caroline Cancel felt fortunate to have been able to come into an amazing opportunity to pursue her passion for real estate.  She has BBA degree in Finance from Pace University, NYC.  After 25 years in the Corporate Banking industry, Ms. Cancel completed a Master of Real Estate Development from Arizona State University in 2014.  She returned to New York City to volunteer and subsequently work in the non-profit sector for Habitat for Humanity NYC, where she aided in the restoration of communities for families devastated by Hurricane Sandy.  Her work brought her back to Arizona, where she served as the Director of Real Estate Development, for Trellis, another non-profit organization that specializes in developing affordable housing in the metro Phoenix area.  Ms. Cancel had the privilege of attending and graduating from the Valley Leadership Program, class 40, in 2019 which has strengthened her commitment to continue to develop sustainable, healthy communities.

Caroline’s passion is connecting people to opportunities. She specializes in providing clients with a high level of personalized service in their dream to find the right home. While she will be delighted to find your dream home anywhere in the Valley, Caroline specializes in guiding clients who are searching for their next home experience in a more urban setting, particularly Scottsdale and Central Phoenix.  She is well-versed in the market in these areas and currently resides there.

Ms. Cancél looks forward to serving her clients with the utmost integrity, respect, reliability and commitment.

“I am proud to join Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and look forward to working with the best of the best!” Caroline Cancel said.

 “Caroline is an extraordinary addition to our Camelback Tower office,” said Sales Manager, Heather McNamara. “I am thrilled that Caroline has chosen Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty as her brokerage of choice to pursue her Real Estate career.  She comes to us with an extremely strong business acumen, and no doubt will be of huge benefit to each of her clients. Welcome, Caroline!”

Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Brad Kimmelman

Brad Kimmelman’s dedication to his clients, ability to provide creative and immediate decisions when dealing with the countless details of the day and a solution based perspective has made him a leader in the Luxury Real Estate arena. Kimmelman takes this role very seriously and approaches every day as an opportunity to provide the type of service that has become a rarity in today’s culture.

His success comes from a history of putting the client first. “When I make you #1, I elevate myself and all those around me. This is paramount to a smooth and expedient transaction,” Kimmelman said.

His experience in managing a busy New York Sotheby’s International Realty office and being a top producing broker, combined with the global reach and exceptional marketing of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand spanning more than 72 countries and territories, makes him a solid choice…should you choose Brad Kimmelman to represent you.

When asked about choosing a local brokerage to join, Kimmelman said, “Picking an office to join in Arizona was a no-brainer for me. Since I have been an ambassador for the Sotheby’s International Realty brand, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty was the perfect choice to continue my Sotheby’s sales career!”

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has gathered realty experts in the field of luxury real estate dedicated to the ideals of integrity and professionalism. Additionally, the seasoned management innovatively supports the efforts of the company’s agents to create a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere that invigorates and hones the skills of everyone involved.

 “Brad Kimmelman is an extraordinary addition to our Camelback Tower office,” said Sales Manager, Heather McNamara. “Brad’s advertising and marketing background led to his success as a top producing sales agent and as a manager of one of the most prestigious real estate offices in the Sotheby’s International Realty network.  That, mixed with his ability to relate to people and his knowledge of the industry, will lead to his success at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.”

Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Presents Luxian Scottsdale

We are excited to present Luxian Scottsdale, a new exclusive, boutique enclave at Camelback Mountain. Our real estate advisors, Joanna Wilkins and Christine Arnold are listing the luxury Luxian development. “Luxian Scottsdale features just 14 luxury villas with unparalleled views of Camelback Mountain and The Phoenician Golf Course and scores of high-end finishes,” Joanna Wilkins said. The luxury villas abut to one of the most iconic golf courses in Arizona. 

The gated development will have 3 two-bedroom units totaling 2,491 square feet and 11 three-bedroom units with 2,971 square feet. The Scottsdale project, which is located at one of the most iconic locations in the Southwest, already has two reservations. “The enclave is surrounded by the prestigious and recently remodeled Phoenician Golf Course. Villas have impressive, unobstructed views of fairways and Camelback Mountain,” Christine Arnold said.

Pricing for the two-bedroom villas starts at $1,457,000. Three-bedroom villas prices start at $1,738,000. There is a $25,000 lot premium on five of the villa locations. The lot premium price goes up on May 31st, 2019. Luxian Villas on Camelback LLC is building the project. The villas also have plenty of high-end and luxury finishes including Subzero appliances, a Wolf cook top and oven and buyers can customize their cabinets, lighting, flooring and fixtures.

Business, Golf, Real Estate

Kevin Gonzales Promoted to Vice President of Operations

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has promoted Kevin Gonzales to Vice President of Operations. Gonzales will oversee 12 offices across Arizona and will expand training programs to help Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents maximize their sales.

Kevin has been with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty for 23 years, and he has earned success at every position he’s held. He has the unique ability to bring out the best in those around him. Simply put – he raises the bar. He is a significant addition to our executive leadership team and we congratulate him on his continued success in our company and in our industry,” said Todd Gillenwater, CEO and owner of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Gonzales will continue his current roles as managing broker of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Pinnacle Peak and Market Street offices. The Pinnacle Peak office has 240 agents. The Market Street office is at D.C. Ranch and has 25 agents.

Gonzales said he is looking forward to working with agents and analyzing markets across Arizona. “I’m basically going to oversee all areas of operations having to do with agent development, management development,” Gonzales said of the newly created position. Gonzales said he enjoys analyzing markets and real estate trends. “I’m a real estate nerd. I love trying to understand markets and trying to understand where the next opportunities are,” he said. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has 850 agents.

Gonzales said he wants to train more agents under a Ninja Selling program. That is a four-day sales training immersion program. “We want to expand that to as many of our agents as possible,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales joined Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in 1996. He has been with the luxury residential real estate firm ever since. “I’ve been doing this for 23 years now,” Gonzales said. “I’m grateful for our ownership and the executive team for giving me this opportunity and having faith in me.”

Architecture, Business, Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Significant Sale ~ Frank Aazami and Cheryl Anderson

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty sales associates Frank Aazami and Cheryl Anderson of the Camelback Tower office provided exclusive representation for a $12,000,000 Paradise Valley home which is the fifth-highest price for a home ever sold in the Valley and second-highest price sale of a home this year. 

The significant sale is a palatial 17,912 square-foot mediterranean estate designed by architect, Juan Sandoval. Sitting on more than two acres and built by a renowned team of artisans with an unlimited budget, the home was designed by Juan Sandoval, following the format of 17th Century Colonial architecture, but with every modern convenience. Offering 5 bedrooms and 7 and a half baths, the magnificent home is unparalleled in its construction quality and architectural precision. The home features a six car main garage with custom doors and additional two car garage. Every inch of the estate was designed and built during a
ten year period.