Private Client Group

Ensuring Excellence in Arizona’s Real Estate Industry Amidst Booming Market and Increased Licensees

March 7, 2023 by Alisha Collinson

A new article shared online in the Phoenix Home + Garden Magazine, features our Private Client Group principal, Frank Aazami.

Frank Aazami Brand Ambassador, Global Real Estate Services

In the piece, Frank highlights how Arizona’s real estate market has seen a significant boom in recent years and how there has been a doubling in the number of licensed real estate agents in the state. While some may view this as a sign of a healthy and thriving industry, there also comes an argument that the system is in need of improvement.

Frank notes that in order to meet the demands of this thriving market, it is not enough to simply have more agents; we need well-trained professionals who can provide top-quality service and advice. The key to achieving this lies in comprehensive training that includes a deep understanding of the product they are selling, which in this case is real estate. He explains that “only seasoned agents can educate their clients of true market value. An experienced advisor should be able to demonstrate their in-depth knowledge – not just the advertised square footage or the labeled appliance brands in the home. That’s easy.”

Another key point he shares is that “with diminished skills in greater quantity in our real estate industry, everyone loses. In particular, a Seller doesn’t receive the representation their property deserves; and buyers searching for an existing home don’t receive the expertise their search deserves either. In both cases, they get more stress and less performance.”

Read the full feature here.

The Private Client Group Experience

Private Client Group offers an exclusive real estate experience. Our extraordinary team is committed to providing clients with the highest level of service and knowledge in the luxury home market. Clients not only benefit from our local know-how and unrivaled services, but also the advantage of global exposure and a brand that is respected worldwide. Our team is here to help you find the home of your dreams; locally or globally. Visit our current luxury listings here and stay connected with our latest updates by signing up for our emails here.

Luxury Paradise Valley estate sells for $12M

February 20, 2023 by Alisha Collinson

Luxury Paradise Valley mansion. — Luxury Paradise Valley Estate

“The most expensive Valley house to sell during the third week of January has 15 bathrooms and a primary suite with three fireplaces and its own washer and dryer. The was house formerly owned by NHL player and coach Rick Tocchet.” – Catherine Reagor, Arizona Republic.

Our significant sale, which took place late January, continues to make headlines. Last week, this incredible Paradise Valley residence was the highlight in the azcentral Done Deals feature with the following notes by reporter Catherine Reagor:

“Nile Wellness Foundation Inc. of Los Angeles bought a 26,000-square-foot Santa Barbara-style Paradise Valley estate with seven bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. The mansion located on a 1.6-acre lot has a primary suite with its own entrance, sitting room, three fireplaces and a washer and dryer. The house’s kitchen has a walk-in cooler, wall ovens and rows of grand columns and arches. The house has a 4,634- square-foot sublevel garage as well as a four-car main-level garage. Developer Douglas Barkdull was the seller. Former NHL player Rick Tocchet, who is now the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, owned the house before him. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents Frank Aazami and Jean-Michel Edery had the listing.”

Luxury Paradise Valley Estate Pool — Resort-Style Property

The Details

This spectacular property sold for $12,000,000 and, because it is still under construction, it offered an extraordinary value proposition for the right buyer. The new owners now have the opportunity to personalize the sprawling home and make it their own. Noted as a monumental sale in the area, the estate was also featured in Mansion Global with an article that highlights more of the truly remarkable details this once-in-a-lifetime property offers (read the full article here).

Discover the exclusive real estate experience with Private Client Group. Contact us today to learn more and sign up for our email updates here.

Frank Aazami’s Featured Listing: Sacred Sonoran Estate

August 2, 2022 by Alisha Collinson

Frank-Aazami-Sacred-Sonoran-Estate-Proof-1

Frank Aazami’s Featured Listing: Hidden Gem at Hidden Canyon

July 11, 2022 by Alisha Collinson

Written by David M. Brown

Discover the many joys of Southwest desert living at Hidden Canyon in the award-winning Las Sendas community of north Mesa. Should the lower-level flexspace be added, 6,000 square feet of man cave, wet bar, theater, craft room, living room and a lift to drop down your cars from above?

Designed and to be built by Micela Properties, this 9,299-square-foot Modernterranean custom offers exclusivity, gated entry, privacy, luxury finishes and smart home amenities. With the saguaro-rich Tonto National Forest immediately behind it, no one will build between you and the mountains; they are yours to enjoy for as long as you choose.

Luigi Micela’s year-and-a-half site preparation on the 1.12-acre cul-de-sac parcel has created an expansive footprint and an entertainer’s-style layout, beginning with a private drive ascending to a spacious auto courtyard and a four-car garage which is temperature-controlled, overheight and extended length. A guest quarters with a kitchenette and dedicated entrance is here as well. Passing the courtyard water feature and through the foyer, you experience the remainder of this magnificent residence.

The single-level floor plan also has a secluded master retreat, three additional ensuite bedrooms, six bathrooms, exercise and sitting rooms and a lounge. Throughout, walls of glass provide the indoor/outdoor living experience that makes the Arizona desert so desirable to raise a family, entertain and enjoy retirement.

When your home is built, you’ll also have unobstructed city lights views as far as downtown Phoenix from the backyard, which features a negative edge pool and spa, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with a built-in barbecue and a spiral staircase to a rooftop view deck. If you wish, add a 6,203-square-foot high-ceilinged lower level with a stairway and elevator and another vehicle elevator to a four-car man cave, game room, kitchen, wine cellar and an enclosed patio with direct exterior light from the first level and the roof.

“Luigi has already created a drainage system for the lower level, so if you do choose that option, you will not need a sump pump, which sometimes stops people from adding a basement to a home,” says Frank Aazami, RLSIR Brand Ambassador, principal of the Private Client Group at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in Scottsdale. “Everything is in place if you opt to move forward with the additional square footage.”

“The home is designed in a way where the backyard is ultra-private from the both neighbors,” says David Arustamian, associate broker at the Private Client Group. “Additionally the pad is built up higher than both surrounding properties. And, there’s a breeze on the parcel that allows the backyard to be more useable, especially in the summer.”

Aazami adds: “Luigi has built some of the most significant luxury homes in Las Sendas, with the largest square footage and highest level finishes. The attention to quality throughout simply stands out from other builders.”

Micela has completed more than 200 projects in the Phoenix metropolitan area, focusing on homes from 4,000–20,000 square feet priced from $1 million to $15 million, Arustamian adds.

The master suite has a sitting area, two large walk-in closets, and the master bath double sinks, separate toilet rooms a shower and separate tub. The luxury kitchen includes a walk-in butler’s pantry, kitchen island, multiple ovens, built-in microwave, gas cook top and a gas stub for the range, dishwasher and disposal, refrigerator and a reverse osmosis system and soft water loop. Adjacent is a breakfast room and a formal dining area with a water feature in the courtyard.

Included are connections to Salt River Project electricity, Mesa water and sewer, Century Link telephone and internet and Southwest Gas; a gas hookup for the dryer is standard. The dryer and washer are included. The home is pre-wired for surround sound. And, a tankless water heater system will be installed. Additional energy-savings components are dual-pane, low-e windows and multi-zone heating/cooling. Fire sprinklers are also standard. Among the many luxury finishes are marble accents and stone and wood floors.

The lush Sonoran Desert gets cool, even cold, at night. So, the home has two fireplaces, including a two-way between the living room and the patio. A firepit is also included.

“It’s so quiet. You don’t have anyone in their back yard staring at you,” Micela says of the final lot his company owns in Hidden Canyon, the northernmost and most luxurious section of Las Sendas. “I actually designed it for myself, so the home caters to my personal lifestyle. I considered living here.”

Growing up in south Jersey, he learned homebuilding from his dad, who worked in nearby Philadelphia. He has been a Mesa-area resident since 1999, when he studied at, and wrestled for, ASU. “Custom homebuilding can get frustrating, but I love creating stuff and putting ideas together.”

Design/build ensures quality control in all components of the home. “My employees and I are involved in every detail, from layout to design, the finishes, window treatments, even the swimming pool. We are totally hands-on,” he says.

Micela personally oversees all phases required to design and construct his builds, Arustamian explains. “Luigi hand-picked trusted subcontractors, many of which have been working on his team for years on each project. This well-respected team creates your customized woodwork, stone, masonry, landscaping, pool, spas and more with the highest quality of construction.”

Another favorable characteristic of the home is that it flexes with your lifestyle. For instance, to accommodate aging in place, there are no interior steps. And, you control separate parts of the home for air-conditioning and other systems. “If you don’t have the whole family in town, or are empty-nesters, you don’t have to have all of the areas up and running,” he explains. “You can stay in the master’s section and close off the children’s areas or the basement.”

One of the East Valley’s most sought-after communities, Las Sendas offers a variety of community facilities such as a clubhouse/recreation room, tennis courts, community pool and spa, golf course and workout facility. The fine Mesa Unified School District serves the area, with Las Sendas Elementary, Fremont Junior High, Red Mountain High and Eagleridge Enrichment Program. Private schools are nearby. Sky Harbor International Airport and Gateway Airport are also close.

Aazami: “Location on a national forest, exalted luxury and serenity for you, your family and friends: The Hidden Canyon home offers its new owner the best of the great Southwest lifestyle. Come, find the joys.”

This magnificent custom home, 7646 East Hidden Canyon Street, is offered at $6,995,000 for a remarkable $752 per square foot. The builder plans to move forward with the basement option, at an adjusted price, if a buyer of the one-level home is not immediately available.

For more information or to schedule a personal tour, contact Frank Aazami, 480.266.0240, frank@PCGagents.com, PCGagents.com or text “SIRFAAZAMI” to 87778. A mobile download link for your Android, iPhone or iPad is available: Preview global listings anytime, anywhere, in 18 languages at app.sir.com/sirfrankaazami. Also see PrivateClientGroupAGENTS.com.

View Original Article

Frankly Speaking: What’s Next, Sellers or Buyers Market?

June 6, 2022 by Alisha Collinson

Frankly-Speaking-Highline-Auto

To view the Highline Autos Volume XIX, Number 04:

Read Article

SOLD | World-Class Luxury Equestrian Estate

February 10, 2022 by Alisha Collinson

We are so happy for our sellers, and the new owner of this extraordinary equestrian estate! Closed 02-09-2022 for $5,600,000.

View the MOTION VIDEO here.

THE PERFECT OPPORUNITY! World-Class Luxury Equestrian Estate at a cachet location in the heart of Phoenix. Perfect also for the most serious of car collectors. Sequestered in a lesser-known enclave, but minutes from the famous Waldorf Astoria Biltmore Hotel. Featuring superb views of Piestewa Peak and the Phoenix Mtn Preserve, this equestrian campus occupies nearly five former citrus-grove acres, six irrigated pastures, and access to both sides of 20th Street. An irreplaceable Estate with 2 adjacent lux homes approx. 6,900 and 3,700 square feet respectively; a 14-stall barn and five covered turn-outs, which can easily become a car barn for as many as 60 collectibles; and a 300-foot-by-150-foot competition ring with synthetic riding surface for jumpers.

FEATURED | AZ Foothills Magazine | Rocking D Ranch

November 18, 2020 by Alisha Collinson

Read the publication HERE.

Cionne McCarthy & Frank Aazami’s Featured Listing The Rocking D Ranch, Phoenix: A Thoroughbred for Horses and Cars

November 16, 2020

By David M. Brown

Rocking D Ranch rocks: an urban ranch estate just two miles from the world-famous Arizona Biltmore Waldorf Astoria.

Featuring superb views of Piestewa Peak and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the luxury equestrian campus occupies five former citrus-grove acres, with six irrigated pastures and two accesses to its highly desirable North Central Avenue community and State Route 51.

“This remarkable property beautifully combines acreage, extensive luxury square footage, serenity, views and a convenient urban setting,” says Frank Aazami, principal of the Private Client Group, Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty in Scottsdale.

Owned by longtime neighborhood resident and equestrian, Ken Dickey, the secluded horse property comprises two adjacent luxury homes of 6,900 and 3,700 square feet; a 14-stall barn and five covered turn-outs, which can easily become a car barn for as many as 60 collectibles; a 300-foot-by-150-foot ring with synthetic riding surface; and an efficient, economical infrastructure, including three 15,000-gallon underground storage tanks for irrigation and dust control.

“This is a one-of-a kind world-class luxury equestrian estate at a cachet location in the heart of Phoenix,” says Cionne McCarthy, Listing Agent | Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in Scottsdale.

“Sequestered in a lesser-known Phoenix enclave but minutes from the famous Waldorf Astoria Biltmore Hotel & golf course, downtown cultural, sporting events and easily accessible to Valley freeways. Shopping is nearby, too, at stores such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, as are the restaurants of the Camelback Corridor, and it’s uber close to the Sky Harbor International Airport,” she adds. “Rocking D Ranch will provide its new owners with the ultimate equestrian lifestyle in a location that makes it uniquely spectacular.”

Two Luxury Homes

The estate expresses the history, arts and culture of Phoenix, the Southwest and various Native American nations. The Dickey family has lived in the area for more than a half century; Ken grew up in the house three doors away.

In 1950, a federal judge built the main house, where Ken lives; he planted many of the old-growth organic orchard. In the 1980s, a contractor purchased the home and grounds; he and his wife added to and renovated the original square footage and converted the property for horses.

In 2007, Valley arts leader, philanthropist and family matriarch, Alice Josephine ‘AJ’ Fleet Dickey, purchased the ranch. The Texas native had a passion for riding horses and competed as a young woman on the Texas show circuit. That equestrian love continues with Ken and his siblings and Alice’s grandchildren.

She and Ken remodeled and added on to the home and built the adjacent two-bedroom home, where she lived until her unexpected passing last August. These improvements, including the world-class barn, were completed in 2008.

“Everyone in the Valley either knew or knew of Alice Dickey and the great work she did in for our museums and for our arts institutions such as the Heard Museum, the Scottsdale Artists School and the Phoenix Seminary,” says Aazami. “Cionne and I are proud to be representing this distinguished property –– not only because of the extraordinary real estate it is but also because of her family’s legacy to our community.”

The two-level home occupied by Ken has four bedrooms and an attached three-car garage. Outside is a sport court and a motor court for additional cars or those for guests. Upstairs is a north-facing master suite, including a closet with large built-ins and a bathroom suite remodeled two years ago, finished with contemporary-look marble.

On the first level is a home gym, an executive office with a two-way fireplace to the dining room; this opens to a patio/courtyard. The kitchen has upgraded appliances including a gas and electric range, double ovens and a butcher-block island.

Both homes are superbly detailed. In the main house, for example, are thick flagstone kickboards and baseboards and concrete floors. And, the adjacent two-bedroom-plus study home has high ceilings and exposed beams, skylights, clerestory windows and, in the powder room, stained glass reclaimed from the Dickey family’s 1940s house in Houston.

“In my 39 years in luxury real estate, I have rarely seen such attention to the details in these two homes, which beautifully showcase fine furniture and art,” says McCarthy. “They are two estate homes that live like art galleries.”

Both homes, in fact, have displayed many sculptures, artworks and books owned by AJ. Many of these have been promised to the Heard Museum, the nearby world-famous venue dedicated to sustaining the art and culture of indigenous peoples. Some artwork and furniture will be offered on a separate bill, notes Aazami.

Native art was her life; great-grandfather John F. Brown was the last principal chief of the Seminole Nation, Oklahoma. A Heard Museum wing honors her name and dedication as a lifetime Board of Trustees member.

Connecting the homes is an elegant loggia, garden, koi pond, waterfall and meeting space. “My mother often entertained to benefit the Heard and other institutions,” says Ken, “and together the two homes and the courtyard space between them provided diverse spaces for these events.”

Show-Stopping Barn and Grounds

Because of his extensive equestrian knowledge, Ken designed the $1.5-million stables constructed by Bob Hamilton, widely respected for his luxe private horse barns and arenas. “It’s more than equal to any luxury barn in Arizona, and the adjacent arena can host any horse event imaginable,” says McCarthy.

Working that ring daily is Ken’s childhood friend, Lisa Jacquin, two-time Olympian and silver medalist, champion jumper and the youngest person ever inducted into the Jumping Hall of Fame, he explains. She trains and exercises the horses and manages the equestrian operations, which includes horse boarding and grooming. Among the amenities is synthetic ground developed for jumpers, grandfathered arena lighting and water cannons at the corners for dust control.

Also on staff are two caretakers. “Their continuing services could be negotiated with the new owner,” says Ken.

The barn includes five paddocks, with room for an additional 12; tack room; a kitchen/office with bathroom; a feed supply, wash and laundry room; and two matching caretakers’ apartments with kitchenettes and bathrooms.

Among many components are a fly-control system; rubber flooring; misters; Wi-Fi; cameras; automatic shades on the west side; electric heating and cooling; a dedicated commercial-grade fire-suppression system for the barn; concrete bays for gravel storage; solar water heating for the barn. In addition, both houses has been coyote proofed with 10-foot walls. A treadmill and a theraplate (for stimulating equine circulation) are available as separate sales.

Utilities and infrastructure are upgraded.

The property has a 2-inch dedicated water line and a 12-inch irrigation line. Rocking D Ranch carries SRP flood irrigation rights and also has an auto watering system. This provides dust control for the arena, water for horse maintenance and the extensive flora on the property, such as 14 citrus species including fig, key lime and Meyer lemon.

In 2019, the family consolidated new electric service on one meter, rated at 600 amps. A natural-gas-powered emergency generating system is large enough to power the entire property.

“The ranch is large, luxurious and cost-efficient to run for both water and electricity,” McCarthy says. For example, Ken estimates that irrigation water is $800 annually.

Three vehicles are included with the property: a 6410 John Deere tractor with accessory attachments; an electric golf cart; and a solar-powered diesel fuel trailer with 500 gallons of fuel capacity.

The site accommodates all deliveries. ”The largest semi allowed on the road can get all the way into and turn around on the property, front to back,” says Ken.

To further control flies, manure is removed weekly in 60 city of Phoenix garbage cans; this service costs just $5 a month per can to collect.

Finally, other livestock are permitted, including cows and goats.

“Rocking D Ranch is an equestrian’s dream, an extended family’s dream, an entertainer’s dream, a car lover’s dream,” says Aazami. “It’s a luxury ranch estate that’s blue ribbon in anyone’s arena.”

This unique horse/car property is offered at $6,500,000. A virtual tour is at www.tourfactory.com/2789097 and additional images are at http://tfv.co/dp2789097. To arrange a walk-through, contact Frank Aazami and Cionne McCarthy at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Real Estate. McCarthy is at 602.619.4550, Cionne.McCarthy@russlyon.com and Cionne.com. Connect with Aazami, RLSIR Brand Ambassador, 480.266.0240, frank@PCGagents.com, PCGagents.com and text “SIRFAAZAMI” to 87778. Aazami has a new mobile download link for Android, iPhone, or iPad: app.sir.com/sirfrankaazami.

All photos courtesy AZing Imaging

AZ Auction Guide | The Best The Valley Has to Offer

January 3, 2020 by Alisha Collinson

In January, Arizona has a plethora of auctions in full swing. One in particular, that has captured great interest, is the Concierge Auctions Portfolio Sale of Luxury Homes at the Arizona Biltmore. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to either sell your home quickly, or buy an estate at a remarkable price. To view the full auction details, along with other auction events, please enjoy the AZ Auction Guide as provided from Highline Autos. If you have interest in participating in the Concierge Auctions Portfolio Sale, or have questions, email us HERE.

To view the full digital guide, please visit HERE.