In Business Top Residential Real Estate Leaders

Experts & Expertise in Our Home Market

FEATURING

Sandra Wilken Luxury Armstrong Properties

Bridge Real Estate & Relocation Concierge

Cambridge Properties

Joan Levinson Luxury Realty ONE Group

Silverleaf Realty

Steele & Davis Private Client Group

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate

Stability and Positive Prospects in Greater Phoenix Residential Real Estate

Examining the latest market indicators closely, there are notable trends suggesting stability and positive prospects for the Greater Phoenix area, according to the latest data released by Phoenix REALTORS, the Valley’s preeminent real estate membership organization and most reputable source for real estate news today, with many resources that include a clearinghouse of up-to-date research, statistics and data offering insights on marketplace trends.

“Changes in interest rates, questions about the market and the dif culty of nding replacement homes are clouding the residential market,” says Butch Leiber, president of the Phoenix REALTORS’ board of directors and an active broker. “The major takeaway from the data is that the numbers don’t look as good as last year, but we’re holding steady in some of the key indicators like price and turnover, which is terri c news for the long term.”

Leiber explained that the “Unicorn Years” phenomenon of 2020–2022 is not re ective of the reality in the Valley. “The Unicorn years were unbridled boom years. But when we look at 2017–2019 — a period of relatively normal and expected growth — the market is tracking exactly where it should be,” he says.

“Sales prices are holding steady compared to April and May, with a median increase from $449,000 in May to $455,000 in June, but the real story is in seeing how our numbers fare historically,” Leiber says. “While the reality of year-over-year numbers may be stark when considering pending sales are down nearly 32% and new listings are down by 47.8%, the truth is that the Greater Phoenix area is doing quite well.”

Additionally, even looking at numbers from last year, there are growing signs of market stability:

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• List price: The percentage of list price received for sales is the highest since March (98.6%, down just 1.9% from last year). In year-todate comparison, 98.1% is the highest since March, but that’s 3.3% less than last year’s 101.5%.

• Inventory/Days on Market: The 2.3-month supply of inventory is steady but trending downward. The lack of inventory can be attributed to sellers holding back listing their homes until interest rates improve, limited new construction and an influx of new residents to Arizona.

The market entered July with 13,072 homes in the inventory, which sits in the middle of the past four months, that ranged between a high of 13,676 in May and a low of 12,563 in April.

• New listings: While the June numbers — at 6,591 — were flat compared to May’s 6,953, they were higher than both March and April.

Some additional data revealed that pending sales dropped 12.1% from May but were down around 3% from March and April. At the same time, closed sales were down 9% from May and higher than in March or April.

“It’s hard to look ahead with the way the market data has been reporting, especially looking at year-over-year numbers,” Leiber says. “The statistics keep showing that, overall, the market is doing well since this winter. But comparing data to last year — an anomaly period — doesn’t give an accurate picture of how the market is performing this year.”

Leiber believes the numbers are showing that the Greater Phoenix area is in a healthy growth phase or a “new normal” after a period of untamed growth.

—Mike Hunter

Phoenix REALTORS phoenixrealtors.com

Top Residential Real Estate Leaders and Companies

As a part of our issue on housing, we have profiled the Top Residential Real Estate Leaders and Companies in the Valley. These leaders are among the most experienced and successful real estate brokerage firms and agents in all parts of the Valley. Each has been asked to provide information on their organizations and expertise. In Business Magazine officially recommends these residential real estate companies, individual leaders and their agents to our readership. We hope our readers will see the benefit of this information as they or their friends and colleagues are looking for residential real estate services in Greater Phoenix.

At-a-Glance

COMPANY NAME: Armstrong Properties

MAIN LOCAL OFFICE: 8340 E. Raintree Dr., Suite B-6 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

PHONE: (480) 390-6050

WEBSITE: sandrawilken.com

OFFICES IN METRO PHOENIX: 1

YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1976

TOP SPECIALIZED AREAS:

• Luxury Sales and Development

• Paradise Valley

• Gainey Ranch

• Scottsdale

• Concierge Services

At the top

PRINCIPAL AGENTS/ EXECUTIVES

Jon

Allison

Sandra WilkenArmstrong Properties

Sandra Wilken’s love affair with the cities of Paradise Valley and Scottsdale began more than 50 years ago when her family relocated to Paradise Valley from Boston. Driven to be the best, Wilken quickly earned a reputation for providing her clients with high-quality professional services — all with a personal touch. During those early years, her portfolio of loyal clients continued to expand, catching the attention of several Canadian real estate developers. Their vision: Build premier developments in desirable locations throughout the Valley — but they needed an expert to ensure their success. Drawing on Wilken’s unique background in architecture, design, marketing and sales, a partnership was forged that ultimately led to the completion of several world-class developments, with the latest being The Phoenician and Gainey Ranch.

With Gainey Ranch complete, in 1995 Wilken launched Sandra Wilken Luxury Properties. Her vision for the new company was to go far beyond helping her clients buy and sell their homes. Her ambitious goal was to provide a list of expanded services for her clients who needed much more than the typical real estate transaction, thus planting the seeds for what has now become the novel concept of premier concierge services.

Being in the business for more than 47 years, Wilken is now unfortunately seeing the passing of many dear friends and clients. With that said, Wilken has expanded her “concierge company” to serve the very discerning needs of her clientele. The process has been streamlined for the family members left to not only sell the property but, rst, assist in the selling of any possessions and prepare the property to go on the market. A list is created for the seller of any construction/repair items necessary to complete prior to sale. The repairs are then performed in-house through the company and promptly as required. For buyers, assistance with remodeling recommendations is also completed in a timely manner. Wilken has a full list of all real estate-related services for her clients to use. Wilken’s goal is to offer truly rstclass service for any and all needs of the seller or buyer — essentially, offering a ONE STOP SHOP for all real estate needs.

Wilken continues to live her passion and commitment to helping clients nd their perfect home here in the Valley. She is truly honored and inspired to work with the best advisors and clientele in the most distinguished neighborhoods of Paradise Valley and Scottsdale.

Karen Armstrong, Broker

Armstrong, Licensed Contractor

Ikeler, Realtor, Transaction Coordinator

Sandra Wilken

Bridge Real Estate & Relocation Concierge

Bridge Real Estate & Relocation Concierge is a long-standing Phoenix-based real estate company with residential sales and corporate relocation expertise. All Bridge clients receive the support of their personal Bridge Concierge Team, so they need to focus on decision making only, not the myriad of details associated with real estate transactions.

For executives considering selling homes or investment properties, their Bridge Concierge team manages all aspects of the project: from vendor management during property preparation to professional staging, culminating with widespread international marketing exposure. Since rst impressions are paramount and buyer decisions can occur in split seconds, Bridge offers clients the service and expertise to maximize their investment and sell within desired timelines.

For all buyers, including those relocating from other parts of the world, Bridge Real Estate Concierge has a Relocation Division specializing in helping ensure smooth housing transitions. Unlike most relocation companies, Bridge helps with all types of housing: renting or purchasing homes, luxury properties or investment properties.

With Metro Phoenix being so vast and diverse, Bridge Relocation Division helps clients focus rst on the community. This is different from other real estate rms. We rst look at what ts with lifestyle and hobbies, then schools, and only then …

At-a-Glance

COMPANY NAME: Bridge Real Estate & Relocation Concierge

MAIN LOCAL OFFICE: 2801 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85015

PHONE: (602) 770-3311

WEBSITE: BridgeRelocation.com, BridgeREConcierge.com

NATIONALLY HEADQUARTERED: Phoenix

MANAGING PARTNER: Paige Heavey

NO. OF YEARS WITH FIRM: 18

YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY:

housing. Using this approach, Bridge helps people avoid making costly mistakes.

In our 20+ years in Greater Phoenix, we’ve served more than 1,000 clients, from local Phoenicians to professionals from 26 different countries. To help smooth the move, our domestic and international concierges answer people’s transition questions before they arrive and long after they move here. Whether it be the right tennis club, dance studio or dentist, the Bridge domestic and international concierge helps create a smooth transition.

All Bridge Realtors come from corporate backgrounds and must earn their certi cation as a Bridge Local Area Housing Expert This certi cation builds deep negotiation skills, local market knowledge of unique community amenities available today and what’s coming soon. Fluent in six different languages, Bridge also has bilingual real estate professionals on staff who have strong cultural understanding of people from different parts of the world.

All Bridge clients experience white-glove treatment, including enjoying their favorite drinks and snacks while doing community tours and house hunting.

Attesting to its value delivered, Bridge enjoys long-term client relationships and double-digit revenue growth. Executives and Arizonans call on Bridge Real Estate Concierge whenever residential housing or relocation comes to mind.

Paige Heavey Fine Properties Group established 2005; Re-named Bridge Relocation Concierge, LLC in 2018

TOP SPECIALIZED AREAS:

• Concierge service offerings taking the workload off busy people so they only need to focus on decision making.

• All licensed realtors are Bridge certified, including negotiation and local market expertise.

• Domestic and international relocation concierges.

• Business owners, executives and physicians.

• Professionally certified in home staging.

At the top

PRINCIPAL AGENTS/ EXECUTIVES

Paige Heavey, Founder and President

Certified Bridge Housing Specialists:

Wendy Chovnick

Alli Dubberly

Rebecca Chen

Martin Lopez

Jim Casartelli

Christine Cothrun

Kristy Morgan

Lynne Edson

Susan Evans

Concierges:

Marsha Kennedy

At-a-Glance

COMPANY NAME: Cambridge Properties

MAIN LOCAL OFFICE:

14602 N. Tatum Blvd.

Phoenix, AZ 85032

PHONE: (602) 493-5100

WEBSITE: cambridgeproperties.com

NATIONALLY HEADQUARTERED: Phoenix

MANAGING PARTNER: Keith Mishkin

CEO & President, Designated Broker

NO. OF YEARS WITH FIRM: 29

YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1994

TOP SPECIALIZED AREAS:

• New Homes

• Urban Living

• Builder Services

• Commercial

Cambridge Properties

Cambridge Properties has felt the growing pulse of luxury + urban living in the Metro Phoenix area for more than 20 years, and is recognized as one of the Valley’s premier residential brokers. With more than $2 billion in sales and more than 10,000 new-build and single-family homes sold at all price points, Cambridge Properties is at the forefront of this exceptional market for smart, vibrant, urban dwellers.

In addition to nding and selling our clients’ dream homes, Cambridge Properties has worked with developers across the Valley, providing them the edge needed to exceed their sales goals.

Founded in 1994, Cambridge Properties is recognized as one of the Valley’s premier brokers for luxury residential living. Most notably, since 2003 Cambridge Properties has closed more than $2 billion in new home sales of urban-lifestyle developments as well as single-family homes in Metro Phoenix. CEO Keith Mishkin directly oversees a highly experienced team of seasoned industry professionals and all aspects of the sales and marketing of a community from inception through completion.

With more than 10,000 homes sold in all price points, notable experience includes The Residences at 2211 Camelback, Esplanade

Place across from Biltmore Fashion Park, and Montelucia in Paradise Valley. In addition to the award-winning New Home Sales division, Cambridge Properties has a boutique resale and investment division with several of the top sales professionals in the market today.

By combining experience, knowledge and a true passion for the industry, our team of professionals has an unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations. Since 1994, our goal is to create lifetime relationships by helping clients de ne and achieve their own real estate objectives. Each relationship begins by listening with genuine care and understanding, then making suggestions and developing strategies based upon years of experience and a keen awareness of the current real estate market. We negotiate on our clients’ behalf with the highest level of professionalism, ability and con dence.

Everyone on the Cambridge Properties Team understands the only way to achieve our professional success is to help our clients realize theirs. We honor that level of trust by treating each client and their transaction the same as we would a valued family member. We look forward to working together.

Portico by Belgravia Group; an incredible luxury 112 condominium community coming soon

Keith and Cory Mishkin

Joan Levinson Realty ONE Group

Consistently one of the Top 50 agents in the nation, Joan Levinson won awards as the Number 1 Real Estate Agent in Arizona in various media outlets in each year from 2017 to 2022. This includes ranking as #1 in 2022 in “The Thousand, as advertised in The Wall Street Journal”, #1 in the Phoenix Business Journal in each of 2020,2021 and 2022, and being named by Newsweek as one of “America’s Best Realtors, 2020”. She has ranked among the Top 250 Realtors in the Nation in each year since 2017, including ranking #40 in 2022. She is Arizona’s Premier Luxury Real Estate Expert.

For over 35 years, Joan has specialized in the nest estates in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Arcadia. Joan and her properties have appeared throughout TV and multiple major media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Newsweek, Fox, ABC, NBC, Architectural Digest and more.

A record-breaking Realtor with a median sale price around $7 Million and over $2 billion in career sales, Joan is laser focused on the highest end of the luxury market and the most prestigious properties. According to all-time Arizona MLS records as of May 2023, she has represented twice as many clients in residential purchases

At-a-Glance

COMPANY NAME: Joan Levinson Luxury

Agent / Realty ONE Group

MAIN LOCAL OFFICE:

11211 N. Tatum Blvd.

Paradise Valley AZ 85028

PHONE: (480) 998-5673

WEBSITE: www.joanlevinson.com

MANAGING PARTNER: Joan Levinson

NO. OF YEARS WITH FIRM: 35

YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1988

TOP SPECIALIZED AREAS:

• Luxury

• Off-market Private Listings

• Concierge Service

and sales over $12 million than any other agent in state history. This includes multiple sales featured in The Wall Street Journal, the most expensive home sold in Paradise Valley history, and the then most expensive home sale in Arizona history.

Her real estate work is focused on discretion and white-glove concierge service. Many of her properties are sold off-market in private “pocket” listings. Her discerning clientele including multiple owners of professional sports teams, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, professional athletes, and celebrities, who have come to rely on her honesty, creativity, enthusiasm, negotiating skills, and comprehensive knowledge of the luxury real estate market.

Over 80% of Joan’s business is from referrals of past clients.

Early in her career, Joan was named to the “International Who’s Who of Entrepreneurs” and also specialized in Commercial Real Estate, where she was multiply recognized as a “Top 5 Commercial Realtor in Scottsdale”.

Joan has lived in Paradise Valley for over 35 years and has acted as an advisor to the Town. She is currently serving a fourth term on the Board of Trustees of the Paradise Valley Mountain Preserve Trust.

Joan Levinson

At-a-Glance

COMPANY NAME: Silverleaf Realty

MAIN LOCAL OFFICE:

18801 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Suite 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

PHONE: (480) 502-6902

WEBSITE: silverleafrealty.com

HEADQUARTERED: Scottsdale, AZ

MANAGING PARTNER: Mike Sweeney, Designated Broker/Sales Associate

NO. OF YEARS WITH FIRM: 23

YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 2000

TOP SPECIALIZED AREAS:

• Luxury Real Estate

• Relocation Services

• International Buyers

• Concierge Services

• Athlete Representation

Silverleaf Realty

Silverleaf Realty’s exceptional expertise and focus on luxury properties is incomparable — no one understands the community, the lifestyle or the allure like we do. In addition to continually attracting new quali ed buyers, we have represented repeat buyers and sellers in multiple transactions. We understand our audience; we know what they want, where to nd them, and the best channels to reach them. Clients may work with one of our associates exclusively, but our entire team stands behind each individual. We devote 100% of our time providing the highest level of service to our clients. Since 2002, our exceptional expertise and depth of experience speaks for itself.

The Silverleaf Realty team is comprised of experienced, results‐driven individuals who are passionate about real estate. We know the luxury home market and understand the af uent community. Carefully selected, we bring passion, expertise and enthusiasm — all invaluable when delivering the outstanding performance that our clients deserve.

Silverleaf Realty has been an integral part of the Silverleaf community before the rst roads were even paved. The Silverleaf Realty team has

the most expertise on the past, present and future of this remarkable community.

Silverleaf Realty is a locally owned and operated real estate company dedicated to providing a luxury buying and selling experience throughout Arizona. A team of highly regarded Arizona-based agents assists customers with real-time knowledge and expertise from three locations: North Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale and Northern Arizona.

Silverleaf Realty specializes in real estate services throughout the Valley. Because of our team’s long-term involvement with homes and land for sale in these cities and communities, we are able to offer our clients – buyers, sellers and builders alike – a matchless level of knowledge, experience and expertise when it comes to the real estate services they need in Arizona’s marketplace.

Experts in luxury real estate, Silverleaf Realty agents specialize in providing guidance to buyers and sellers in the Valley’s most prestigious addresses. Located in the Silverleaf Sales and Information Center in Canyon Village in DC Ranch, our team offers in-depth knowledge about the many real estate opportunities and rich lifestyle available in the area.

At-a-Glance

COMPANY NAME: Steele & Davis

Private Client Group

MAIN LOCAL OFFICE: 6900 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 110

Scottsdale, AZ

PHONE: (602) 573-2288

WEBSITE: steeleanddavisrealtors.com

PRINCIPAL AGENTS/EXECUTIVES:

Patricia Davis, Market Expert

Camden Steele, Market Expert

Steele & Davis Private Client Group

Our team is part of the esteemed Private Client Group, where we offer unrivaled expertise in all facets of residential home ownership, both locally and globally. We share in the vision of PCG’s founder Frank Aazami, who has created a culture of excellence and luxury service in the real estate industry.

We strive to deliver proven results, driven by performance. Our methods are centered around clients’ individual needs, goals and timelines — solely focused on guiding and recommending winning strategies.

The Private Client Group has a motto of providing “the most powerful marketing program for Luxury Real Estate” and is proud to be part of the Sotheby’s International Realty network. Sotheby’s International Realty unites the nest and the most prestigious global properties for sale to the most sophisticated, knowledgeable and educated clientele from around the world. Our middle name is “International,” hence we are by far the most successful global real estate service provider in the world. If you are in search of that dynamic “local expert with global outreach” representation, and prefer to bene t from our venerable Sotheby’s brand, we welcome you to

schedule a discreet consultation with us today and learn more about the value and commitment we have to offer.

With more than $309 million in sales volume in just the year 2021 alone, the Private Client Group has been ranked No. 1 in Arizona for large teams by volume, No. 30 in the nation for large teams by volume, and ranks in the top .0165% of agents nationally! As leaders in Luxury Real Estate, we are also locally recognized, earning the title of 2023 Best Team from PHOENIX magazine and 2022 Most Productive Residential Phoenix Real Estate Teams from the Phoenix Bisiness Journal (to name just a few!).

But it’s not just about the business for us. For us, homes are more than just a business; they are a means of building stronger communities and helping others achieve their goals. We believe in the power of giving back to our community and clients. We embrace the philosophy of philanthropy, recognizing that with success comes a responsibility to help others. Our commitment to philanthropy and serving others is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to serve our clients with the utmost professionalism and care, and to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us.

NO. OF YEARS WITH FIRM: 29

YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1994

TOP SPECIALIZED AREAS:

• New Homes

• Urban Living

• Builder Services

• Commercial

Camden Steele and Patricia Davis

At-a-Glance

COMPANY NAME: Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

MAIN LOCAL OFFICE:

6900 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 110 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

PHONE: (480) 287-5200

WEBSITE: russlyon.com

OFFICES IN METRO PHOENIX: 13

NATIONALLY HEADQUARTERED: Scottsdalre, AZ

MANAGING PARTNER: Jim Lyon, Chairman; Todd Gillenwater, CEO

NO. OF YEARS WITH FIRM: 19

YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1952

TOP SPECIALIZED AREAS:

• Luxury Real Estate

• Relocation Services

• International Buyers

• Concierge Services

• Rental Properties

• Property Management

At the top

PRINCIPAL AGENTS/ EXECUTIVES

Kevin Gonzales, Branch Manager, Pinnacle Peak

David Friedman, Branch Manager, Carefee & Desert Mountain

Cathy Green, Branch Manager, Southeast Valley

Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker, Camelback Tower

Will Rose, Branch Manager, Tucson

Tod Christensen, Branch Manager, Sedona

Gary Brasher, Branch Manager, Tubac

Bret Lamberson, Branch Manager, Flagstaff

Cindy Smith, Branch Manager, West Valley

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has gathered realty craftsmen dedicated to the ideals of integrity and professionalism. From the ownership, management, agents and af liate services, every person involved in the company utilizes innovative skills, programs and technologies to create the nest real estate services company to be found.

The mission of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is to provide its clients with the most responsive personalized service attainable — nothing less will do. The environment within Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is unique in the industry. Seasoned management innovatively supports the efforts of the company’s members to create a dynamic and inspiring

atmosphere that invigorates and hones the skills of everyone involved.

Collaboration and networking are fostered to create a synergy that puts the whole company to work for every client. The artistic blending of proven traditions and state-of-the-art innovation is unsurpassed. These assets are positioned on a base of nancial stability and corporate staying power.

Our agents bring the highest level of service and technology to today’s homebuyers and sellers, expanding our reputation as the most respected name in real estate. Our agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance the lifestyles of our clients.

Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate

Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate is one of the nation’s most prestigious and successful luxury real estate rms, specializing in Arizona’s most af uent neighborhoods. Named one of the “35 Most In uential People in Luxury Real Estate,” founder and president Walt Danley started his real estate career in Paradise Valley more than 40 years ago and has consistently placed among the top 1% of real estate agents in the United States. He has assembled a growing team of top luxury real estate specialists and opened his namesake brokerage in 2011.

Our rm consistently lands a place on REAL Trend’s The Thousand list in the categories of top-producing agent and teams, including the No. 1 ranking in Arizona. We have earned a reputation as the premier luxury residential real estate brokerage in Arizona by combining profound market knowledge, expertise and the largest inventory of million-dollar estates within Arizona.

In collaboration with our partners at Christie’s Luxury De ned, we present international homes with special spaces to survey the stars. From a Gothic Irish castle with its own glassed-in viewing area to a Caribbean waterfront retreat with a private observatory, these spectacular residences are ideal vantages for gazing at the stars and observing celestial events.

Our team knows this market and we know the luxury brand. Arizona luxury homes are always in high demand, and those that offer spacious home of ces or libraries with impeccably designed wood elements tend to attract the most exclusive homebuyer. From wood-coffered ceilings to towering bookcases made of mahoganies and oaks, interior spaces featuring a high attention on wood often invoke a more relaxing and cozy atmosphere. These decorative features also blend perfectly with the surrounding Arizona landscape, where nature’s beauty is often easily viewable from the windows of the library or home of ce itself.

Nothing about selling one’s home is easy. The process proves nancially and emotionally complex for even the most seasoned seller. For a smooth transaction and stress-free transition, a seller must put the same thought and care in deciding with whom to list as they would a nancial advisor, attorney or CPA.

With an unparalleled track record of successfully delivering results to our clients, our agency’s comprehensive marketing methodology is customized for each property, ensuring that each home is put in front of the largest pool of quali ed buyers. We refer to this systematic approach to marketing as The Danley Method.

At-a-Glance

COMPANY NAME: Walt Danley Christie’s

International Real Estate

MAIN LOCAL OFFICE:

3545 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018

PHONE: (480) 450-1518

WEBSITE: waltdanley.com

HEADQUARTERED: 1

MANAGING PARTNER: Walt Danley

NO. OF YEARS WITH FIRM: 12

YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 2011

TOP SPECIALIZED AREAS:

• Luxury Real Estate

• Relocation Services

• International Buyers

• Concierge Services