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Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Heather Peterson

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Heather Peterson to our Camelback Tower Office. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance clients’ lifestyles, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

Heather Peterson’s story begins in the vibrant heart of Phoenix, Arizona, where she was born and raised. Her deep roots in the valley give her a distinctive edge in understanding Arizona’s varied neighborhoods and market trends. Heather’s passion for real estate ignited at a young age, thanks to her father’s career in the homebuilding industry. This early exposure cultivated her appreciation for design and architectural concepts, a foundation that she proudly builds upon today.

With a decade of experience that spans sales, marketing, and holistic wellness, Heather has developed a multifaceted skill set that uniquely positions her in the real estate industry. Her commitment to serving the community ultimately led her to pursue a career in real estate, where she channels her enthusiasm for the city into helping others make their real estate journey a success. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing, Heather’s expertise ensures that you are in capable hands.

Beyond her role as a real estate professional, Heather is a passionate nature and yoga enthusiast. Guided by the principles of balance and integrity, she seamlessly integrates these values into both her personal and professional life. Heather approaches her work with a mindful and dedicated mindset, translating into a calm and focused strategy. This ensures that her clients feel supported and confident throughout the entire real estate process.

Heather joins many other young professionals that are finding their way into the real estate industry. She’s ready to tackle what it takes to succeed in this business and we are thrilled to support her each step of the way!

SherRI MONTEITH, MANAGING BROKER

Heather Peterson is more than just an agent; she is your ideal partner in turning your real estate dreams into a reality. Her unique blend of local knowledge, industry expertise, and holistic approach makes her an invaluable resource for anyone looking to navigate the dynamic Phoenix real estate market.

Join Heather on your next real estate adventure and experience the difference of working with someone who truly understands the heartbeat of Phoenix.

July 11, 2024 by
Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, Russ Lyon

The Global Real Estate Advisors of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

The Global Real Estate Advisors of Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty are uniquely trained and positioned to assist their clients with hyper-local market knowledge and white-glove services across the State of Arizona. Additionally, the Sotheby’s International Realty network of 26,400 agents in 83 countries & territories gives our Advisors the unique and well-connected ability to advise on real estate matters all over the USA and the world.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty – Arizona’s leader in real estate and advisory services for over 77 years – and Arizona’s only truly international real estate brokerage.

June 21, 2024 by
Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

A Whole Lot Of Western Charm With a 78-Acre Dude Ranch for $5.9 Million

77.25 acres of fenced-in land hold seven residential homes, a barn with horse stalls, a helicopter pad, a gazebo, a fishing pond, tree house, a group ramada, and a three-bay maintenance garage in a massive Payson property

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, known for representing some of Arizona’s finest and most extortionary properties, continues that long-standing tradition with a truly remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime property, La Cienega.  The 78-acre expansive dude ranch is at the base of the majestic Mogollon Rim, the 200-mile-long escarpment in the world’s largest Ponderosa Pine forest.

 Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to announce that 1804 Pyle Ranch Road, La Cienega, in Payson, Arizona, is available for sale at $5.900,000 by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agents Frank Aazami and Nancy Read. Our very own Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Rusty Lyon, previously owned this property.  The Lyon family donated the property to ASU and then was purchased by the Earnhardt family, who are also big donors to ASU.  The property is currently owned by the Earnhardt family.

With various outdoor experiences spread across the property, from trout streams to hiking trails, this property meshes frontier adventure with opulent living to create a luxury estate with rustic charm. The expansive La Cienega Ranch contains seven residential homes that contain 18 bedrooms and 15 baths in 14,989 square feet of living space. These homes are the Main House, Gingerbread House, Mother-In-Law House, Manager’s House, Bunk House, and Hill House. 

 The Main House is a two-story rustic log cabin meant for entertaining guests and friends. Downstairs the house opens into a large family room and living room with a massive fireplace. The primary bedroom has a large bathroom, half bath, recreation room, formal dining area, and large kitchen branch off from the central guest greeting area. Upstairs a secondary bedroom, bathroom and loft expand to a grand deck and balcony perfect for looking out upon the house’s courtyard. Attached to the house is a two-car garage with a mechanical workspace. This garage represents only 2 of the 9 spaces spread across the property. 

 Gingerbread House gets its name from the intricate design and decorations found throughout the house. Its proud two-story wooden frame sits majestically upon stone construction. Inside, the southwestern architecture breathes life into two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a family room with a fireplace. Outside a screen porch and covered entry let visitors enjoy the outdoors while stepping away from the tranquil interior. 

The Mother-In-Law House is a two-story home with wood frame construction holding three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The interior contains new flooring and updated appliances including a built-in microwave and ceiling fans built into vaulted ceilings. Plant shelves, plantation shutters, mirrored closet doors and a soft water system fill out the home. The house also has a two-car garage with a utility room. Outside, a deck with a screen door lets visitors listen to a babbling stream that runs year-round directly behind the home. 

The Manager’s House was built in 1970 with a square footage of 2,736. This home has two beds and two baths, a living room with a fireplace, a family room and formal dining area. Additionally, the property contains a loft, office area, two-car garage with a workshop area and a large covered porch. 

 To complete this Western dream, three more homes dot the estates. The Bunk House, built in 1986 with a wood frame, is 904 square feet. This single-story home has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a large covered porch. Hill House, built in 1991, is 1,045 square feet and has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a covered porch. Finally, the Trailer House is a single-wide manufactured home with 521 square feet. 

Find your new, rugged adventure in the modern Wild West at La Cienega Ranch, with the nearby hiking trails, lakes, mountains, trout streams, and campsites. The property has been renamed No Torro Ranch.  The name comes from Earnhardt’s famous “No Bull” motto at https://www.nobull.com/. 

The property is also surrounded by Gila National Forest land, offering wonderful hunting opportunities. Hone in on the Arizonan experience courtesy of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.


April 3, 2024 by
Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

A Pinnacle of Modern Luxury Listed for Sale by Cionne McCarthy of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

This once-in-a-lifetime Paradise Valley property is seated on majestic and historic Mummy Mountain, and is currently owned by a couple of Scottsdale’s most prominent visionaries.

Known for representing buyers and sellers for Arizona’s most spectacular and iconic properties, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to announce the listing of a property that perfectly exemplifies the special nature of both its homes and its clients.

This signature estate at 6210 E Hummingbird Lane in Paradise Valley is now listed for $6.25 million by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Cionne McCarthy.  The current owners are the visionaries behind the Sanctuary Resort + Spa, Mountain Shadows Resort, Hotel Valley Ho, and many more of the Valley’s most iconic local developments. 

 The pinnacle of modern luxury, the estate offers 4,700-square-feet of space designed by renowned architects Allen + Philps Partners with interior design led by Jamie Herzlinger Interiors. 

 Expansive views of the Phoenix Valley define this property. Classic, contemporary styling and walls of glass give this home a cosmopolitan feel in the desert, with open living spaces that lend to the opulent feeling. The main level features a sleek gourmet kitchen and flexible entertaining spaces. A family room/media room opens to the alfresco dining room with intertwined water and fire features, a BBQ grill, and a pizza oven. A striking peninsula terrace boasts a commanding view of the lap pool, which in turn offers sweeping vistas of the entire valley below.
Exterior decking on three levels of the home leaves plenty of room to entertain while guests can enjoy the views. 

The primary suite takes full advantage of the property’s breathtaking views, with a bath which is elegantly appointed and luxury exemplified with two separate walk-in closets. Retractable sliding glass walls in the living room, family room and the downstairs game room open the home and fill each room with an ethereal quality where inhabitants feel like they can step out onto the vistas surrounding them. 

Designed to provide all the essentials while including touches expected only at luxury resorts, the home is brimming with features. Modern functionality matches elegance in every room including an exercise room with its own gorgeous views. More touches of modernity include the garage which is pre-wired for an electric vehicle, and the Control 4 Smart Home System. When night comes four gas fireplaces light up the inside to match the nightlights of the surrounding valley.

 “This property is extremely rare in this ultra-luxury Paradise Valley market,” said Cionne McCarthy, listing agent for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, “The current owners have developed several world-class resorts and honed them to a size that features only the most essential rooms and accentuates all the amenities expected by buyers today. It also possesses the perfect private location on revered Mummy Mountain, yet is only minutes from the most concentrated area for luxury hotels, restaurants, and shopping.”

March 18, 2024 by
Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Names Kevin Gonzales as Chief Operating Officer

Kevin Gonzales brings 27 years of real estate experience to the role, all within the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty umbrella.

Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce the internal promotion of a long-time team member to a critically important role.

Kevin Gonzales was recently promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Gonzales brings with him 27 years of expansive experience at the luxury brokerage, and he most recently served as the company’s vice president of operations. Gonzales’ passion for real estate began in 1996 when he started with Russ Lyon Realty Company. A consistent top producer, Gonzales decided to step away from the sales side in 2007 and accepted a position as the Branch Manager of the Russ Lyon Realty Pinnacle Peak Office.

In 2019, Gonzales was promoted to Vice President of Operations for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, where, in addition to continuing to manage the Pinnacle Peak Office, he was given the additional responsibilities of supervising all areas of operations, which included overseeing the managing brokers of each branch as well as the operations departments, which is comprised of the firm’s marketing, relocation, IT, training, and agent development functions.

“Kevin Gonzales has been a tremendous asset to our brokerage since he joined us in 1996. There is probably no one more seasoned or better at overseeing so many diverse areas of our operations than Kevin. Between his vast knowledge of real estate, his leadership and his great ability to work with people, we couldn’t be prouder to continue to elevate Kevin here at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty,” said CEO Todd Gillenwater of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Gonzales assumed the Chief Operating Officer role on January 1st, 2024. In addition to the responsibilities noted above in his capacity as Vice President of Operations, Gonzales will be more involved in expanding the brand and sourcing new technology and systems to add additional value to the firm and its agents.

“Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is a special place,” said Gonzales. “I am especially grateful to this incredible organization and committed to assisting all of our branch managers, department heads, brokers, agents and back-office personnel to offer our clients the highest level of service and success in the industry.”

In addition to the promotion of Gonzales, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has had several other noteworthy personnel changes. 44-year veteran of the firm, Deems Dickinson, recently announced his retirement; he was most recently in the role of Designated Broker for the state of Arizona. Attorney and Broker Bret Lamberson was promoted from the role of Managing Broker to replace Dickinson as the firm’s Designated Broker.

February 1, 2024 by
Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Jeff Fields Breaks 17-Year Ocotillo Record With $2.755 Million Sale of Golf Course Home

Arizona’s leading luxury brokerage closes on a remarkable home previously owned by Bernard Hoogestraat, one of the original Ocotillo community developers.

 Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty proudly announces the $2,755,000 sale of a luxurious single-level residence on the 5th hole of the Ocotillo Golf Course in Chandler, Arizona.  This sale now marks the third-largest sale within the Ocotillo Golf Club Community and the highest-priced home to sell in the community in the last 17 years.  

The record-setting deal closed on January 29th, 2024. 

Called the Crown Jewel of the Ocotillo Golf Course, the home is situated in the exclusive gated private community of Crown Point, which has 11 custom-built homes on its own peninsula. It offers stunning views that extend 40+ acres of multiple lakes and golf courses. 

 Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Associate Broker Jeff Fields of the Camelback Tower office represented the family of Bernard Hoogestraat, who developed the Ocotillo community around the 27-hole Ocotillo Golf Course. The home was completed in 2001. Fields said that at the time, Hoogestraat had a choice of lots when the community was first built, and he chose the one that offered the best golf course views.

“This was a privilege and a huge honor to represent and help Bernard’s family not only sell the home for a record price but also to preserve his memory in this community and remind everyone of the extraordinary work he did in developing the Ocotillo community,” said Fields. “Every golfer on the course recognizes this home. It definitely stands out as a shining jewel within the community.”

Hoogestraat’s son says his father got involved in developing the Ocotillo community shortly after the golf course was built and a few homes on the course. At the time, he recalls there was no clubhouse built yet, just a double-wide trailer, and that was part of his job to get the clubhouse built and finish the community.

 “I remember him going to Texas to pick out the limestone that covers all the columns at the Clubhouse. He controlled architectural requirements for new houses and commercial properties very tight. He was determined to ensure that Ocotillo would never be just another cookie-cutter bedroom community for Phoenix. As development property was being sold off, many suitors were turned down because he did not feel that what they were building elsewhere did not measure up to what he wanted at Ocotillo. He was the one who negotiated the deal that brought Intel to Ocotillo. It was his vision and determination that shaped Ocotillo into the special place that it is today. A book could be written about all the extraordinary things that my father did,” said Jim Hoogestraat, son of Bernard Hoogestraat.

Located in South Chandler’s Ocotillo community, the 6,486-square-foot home is surrounded by the golf course lake on three sides. It has a long Romeo and Juliet balcony that allows residents and guests to enjoy a 180-degree view of the golf course. There is also a beautiful glass-tiled negative-edge pool and spa and an 834-square-foot guest house that also sits along the water. 

Inside the main home, there are four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, which feature Cantera stone and hardwood floors throughout. The split floorplan offers vaulted ceilings and generous walkways with no steps inside, allowing one to roam from room to room with leisure. Large windows throughout and Cantera fireplaces offer warm and more views of the course. 

Other notable features include a huge primary suite with dual closets and bathrooms, each with its own vanity, as well as a large bathtub and individual showers, again featuring the Cantera stone. 

Just down the hall from the primary suite is the home’s library, which offers floor-to-ceiling bookcases. For entertaining, the home also offers a wet bar and full poker table. There is also a generous four-car garage with ample storage space. 

January 29, 2024 by
Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Names Bret Lamberson as Designated Broker

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Announces The Promotion of Attorney and Broker Bret Lamberson as The Brokerage’s New Statewide Designated Broker

Lamberson has assumed the role of statewide Designated Broker, succeeding the retiring Deems Dickinson.

Arizona’s Leading Luxury Brokerage, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, is pleased to announce the appointment of Attorney and Broker Bret Lamberson to lead the brokerage’s most crucial role.


Bret Lamberson will be taking on the role of statewide Designated Broker and replacing Deems
Dickinson, who is retiring after 44 years with the brokerage. A Designated Broker is heavily involved
in the operations of running the company and managing critical functions such as hiring new agents,
establishing policies and procedures for the firm, overseeing all real estate contracts, and setting
company goals.


“I am incredibly honored and humbled by the trust that Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
has shown by bestowing this opportunity onto me. Deems Dickinson has left some massive and
inspiring shoes to fill, but at the same time, he serves as an excellent role model and mentor as we
embark on some historic times overseeing some of the state’s most significant sales,” said
Lamberson.


Lamberson, who grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona, was an exemplary student and athlete,
excelling in his studies, alpine skiing racing, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. He joined Russ
Lyon Realty of Flagstaff in 2005 quickly ascended to one of the top Realtors in Flagstaff.
“Bret is a brilliant and very forward-thinking talent in our company. He not only
brings the legal background and very vast knowledge of our real estate laws and contracts, but he
also has the people skills to lead our growing network of 950 agents, which now expands to 13 offices
across the state and continues to grow in the luxury sector,” said CEO Todd Gillenwater of Russ
Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.


Lamberson, who moved to San Francisco in 2012, earned his law degree and was admitted to the
California State Bar, where he practiced real estate and immigration law. Family and the draw of all things Arizona brought him back to Flagstaff in 2018, where he was admitted into the Arizona State
Bar and appointed Managing Broker of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Flagstaff
offices. On January 1st, 2024, he assumed the role of Designated Broker for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s
International Realty statewide.


Lamberson and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Flagstaff and split time between the high country and
their home in the historic district of downtown Phoenix with their children: their two-year old son
Hendricks and one-month-old daughter Willa Jane.

January 18, 2024 by
In The News, Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Deems Dickinson Retires as Designated Broker and President

Accomplished Designated Broker and President Deems Dickinson of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Retires and Reflects on 44 Years Guiding Arizona’s Leading Luxury Brokerage.

Dickinson Led a Team of 900+ Agents and Oversaw Four Decades of Real Estate Transactions at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Including Some of the State’s Highest Sales.

Arizona’s Luxury Leader Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty announces with great regards and gratitude the retirement of one of its longest-tenured and most impactful company leaders.


Deems Dickinson has been part of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family for an
incredible 44 years, retiring as President and Designated Broker, a role that he held for 14 years with
the firm, having previously served as Managing Broker of 5 different offices for 25 years on behalf
of the company.


Dickinson ended his career as a REALTOR Emeritus and exemplified a spirit of service and a
lifetime of learning, as he served as an Advisory Council Member of the Russ Lyon Foundation, on
the Board of Directors of the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS), and on the Board
of Directors of The Realty Alliance. He had previously been on the Board of Directors for the
National Association of REALTORS, the Chair of the Professional Standards Committee of the
Scottsdale and Arizona Associations of REALTORS, and served as the Director of Training for the
Elite School of Real Estate.


Reflecting on his career, Dickinson said, “As the steward of such a remarkable company, I have had
many opportunities in the real estate industry locally, across the state of Arizona, and nationally,
which allowed me to grow my career to what it is today. I will always cherish the lifelong friendships
and business relationships that I have developed over the last 44 years.”

As for what’s next for Dickinson, he is looking forward to schedule-free mornings, time with his
wife Betsy, their grandchildren, and adult children, traveling and volunteering for causes they care
about. He also looks forward to enjoying his passion for the outdoors in greater depth, including
fishing, jeeping, hiking and camping, golf, and pickleball. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
thanks him for both how he helped the firm grow, as well as the personalized expertise and warm,
white-glove service he provided to the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family.


“It is with an overwhelming amount of gratitude and pride and that we congratulate Deems on 44 years with our company. I began working with Deems when my father Dennis Lyon, was still running the company many decades ago. Deems’ knowledge, patience, and leadership has not only
been an inspiration to all our agents but also to my own family and everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him these last four decades. We will miss him tremendously, but we know he will have some great times ahead in retirement.”

Jim Lyon, Owner and Chairman of Russ
Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty


Dickinson will be succeeded as the statewide Designated Broker by Bret Lamberson. Lamberson
grew up in Flagstaff, AZ, and joined Russ Lyon Realty of Flagstaff in 2005. Lamberson is a licensed
attorney in Arizona and California. He and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Flagstaff and split time in
their home in the historic district of downtown Phoenix with their two young children.

January 1, 2024 by
New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Katie Mullins

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor Katie Mullins to our 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. 

Katie is filled with enthusiasm as she embarks on her journey as a real estate agent. With a solid foundation in Marketing/Advertising, she brings a wealth of expertise that has proven invaluable in various aspects of her life. Having spent her formative years in the charming Arcadia/Paradise Valley area, Katie possesses a deep understanding of what makes these communities truly unique.

Her natural talent for connecting with people and putting them at ease is evident from the moment she meets them. Katie is dedicated to ensuring that the process of buying or selling a home becomes a delightful and stress-free experience for her clients.

Family means a lot to all of us at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and Katie has both her professional and person family in the company! Meeting her was an absolute joy and the professionalism and dedication she brings into the brand is astounding!

Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker
November 7, 2023 by
New Hire

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Christina Covault

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor Christina Covault to our 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. 


With 15 years of legal experience under her belt, Christina brings a wealth of expertise to her real estate business, where she consistently serves her clients with professionalism and efficiency.

Having been an Arizona resident for nearly two decades, Christina possesses a deep understanding of the local real estate landscape and remains well-informed about both regional and national economic trends. Before embarking on her real estate career, she held the role of a state and federal prosecutor, specializing in cases involving violent crimes. In her capacity as a federal prosecutor, she skillfully managed numerous criminal cases from their inception to their resolution, taking the lead in multiple jury trials and appeals. Christina holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from the University of Arizona.

Her previous legal career has honed a set of skills that uniquely distinguish her as a real estate advisor, including clear and concise communication, extensive negotiation experience, fluency in legal writing, unwavering responsiveness, and meticulous attention to detail. These qualities not only set her apart but also provide her clients with a sense of security and peace of mind.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Christina is deeply committed to serving her community. She actively serves as a board member for the Phoenix Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, Awakening Seed School, and the All Saints’ Episcopal Day School Parent Association. She takes immense pride in her association with Georgetown University, having devoted approximately 15 years to the Alumni Admissions Program Arizona committee, where she conducts interviews with applicants from across the Valley.

Although originally hailing from Orange County, California, Christina’s life experiences have also taken her to various parts of South America and Asia. She has a passion for extensive travel and boasts conversational fluency in both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Her diverse interests include a love for cooking and baking, maintaining an active lifestyle through yoga and her Peloton bike, savoring the natural beauty of Arizona, and cherishing quality time spent with her family and friends.

Meeting Christina was such a breath of fresh air. Highly professional, educated and so easy to work with. She’s thorough, extremely sharp and with her background in law, an obvious great hire for our brand.

Sherri Monteith, managing broker
November 2, 2023 by