One of the primary indicators of having “made it” in life is getting one’s own home. It provides us with a sense of achievement and spontaneously elevates our social status from a mere member of society to an active contributor to the community. It would thus be true that realtors act as the trusted catalyst to empower our social standings by finding the most ideal homes for us.
In an abyss of real estate agents today, one seasoned realtor from Arizona has stayed a cut above the rest due to her commitment to providing exceptional yet personalized services to her clients. A third-generation Arizona native, Janelle Flaherty has been in the real-estate business for the past 15 years. Her clients have often testified that her distinguished service is evidenced by excellent communication, personal attention, a host of knowledge and experience, and a drive to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Exceptional Home Services
At present, Janelle is a valuable part of the tradition and centuries-old heritage of International Real Estate pinnacles – Russ Lyon Sotheby’s. Recognized worldwide, the prestige of Sotheby’s brand is unparalleled.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty inherited the iconic brand name, building on its centuries-long legacy by delivering unrivaled real estate services. “Our reputation of quality service and expertise is unmatched. We offer an outstanding alliance of marketing efforts that present our properties to the esteemed clientele of Sotheby’s,” states Janelle. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is driven by a team of some of the best luxury real estate advisors of the world, who are dedicated to the ideals of integrity and professionalism. Right from the ownership and management, to the agents and affiliates, every person involved in the company utilizes a set of innovative skills and technologies, keeping this organization one of the most sought-after real estate service providers ever.
Dedicated to excellent communication, personal attention, and focusing on relationships rather than transactions, Janelle has found her niche assisting clients in the equestrian community with their real estate needs, including but not limited to horse properties throughout the state of Arizona. She attributes her success to a people-based approach, serving her clients as an advisor and friends rather than an agent.
The Ride of Her Life
After graduating with a Marketing degree from Arizona State University, Janelle was already determined on a career in real estate. She says, “My parents have always had real estate investments, so I would say that’s probably where the spark came from. When I was in college in 2005, I babysat for a family and the father was a real estate agent and was very successful and very busy at that time in the market. He asked me to work in his office and that is where I was able to see the ins and outs of the day-to-day real estate grind. I was fascinated and loved it.”
Initially beginning her profession as a part-time, commercial real-estate operator, developing and managing shopping centers, Janelle eventually found her center in residential real estate. She shares, “In 2019, my daughter went into Kindergarten and I decided I was ready to make real estate a full-time career.” Soon thereafter Janelle joined the prestigious Russ Lyon Sotheby’s group, thanks to the industry leader in horse property sales and close friend, Josie Pakula. “I joined the Russ Lyon Family in 2020 and that was the best year I had on record, more than double what I did in my best year in the 13 years I have had my license. As 2021 comes to a close, I have doubled 2020 volume and transactions once again,” smiles Janelle.
Being the wife of a horse trainer with her own passion for horses, Janelle is acutely aware of what people need in an equestrian property, making her a key part of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s Elite Equestrian Team. An Arizona Native having lived throughout the state, Janelle possesses an endless amount of working knowledge regarding the various locations, markets, and emerging real-estate trends in and around the state.
When it comes to marketing, Janelle harnesses the name, recognition, and tools that come along with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s name. She uses these to attract a robust and high-quality rollout for each of her listings. Her services, however, do not stop at the end of a sale. She goes the extra mile to stay in touch with her clients even after she has made the sale, through multiple monthly mailings, including informative mailers with staycation tips and hiking guides.
In 2020 itself, Janelle received the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Chairman’s Board recognition for the Pinnacle Peak office, and was named a Winner of the Scottsdale Association of Realtors – 40 Under 40; in 2021 for her splendid contributions.
Putting Family First
Janelle and her husband have lived in the same community since they met 15 years ago. She says, “I love and cherish the fact that our community, as teenagers and young adults, is now the community of the next generation.” When she’s not working, Janelle leads an active family life, often spending time at horse shows with her husband. Other times her children, Logan and Layla, keep her occupied as an excited spectator at their football games, swim meets, and cheer competitions. At least once a year, Janelle and her family pack their bags and escape on mini-vacations to the pristine beaches of Mexico. She smiles, “We are busy and live life to the fullest and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Even through Covid, Janelle enjoyed her time off from the regular hustle and bustle of life to cherish her neighborhood and community. The walks and hikes, the kids riding their bikes and horses, and generally being outside, brought back memories of simpler times.
"Our reputation of quality service and expertise is unmatched. We offer an outstanding alliance of marketing efforts that present our properties to the esteemed clientele of Sotheby’s"
Uplifting the Community
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International fraternity of realtors has long been involved in community service work and charitable organizations to uplift the communities of Arizona and the world. “The Russ Lyon Charitable Foundation provides a safe, constructive and fulfilling way for the entire Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family to participate and help. Thus, in January of 2014 the Russ Lyon Charitable Foundation was formed and operates through every office within the company across the State of Arizona,” shares Janelle.
Personally, Janelle is also the not-so-acclaimed inventor of the “Homeless Bags”, an idea that originated thanks to her kids. She shares, “My kids had been asking what the homeless do in the winter when it’s cold at night. We decided as a family to make homeless bags that contained snacks, socks, and a few personal hygiene items and put them in a zip lock bag. We tied the blanket and the bag together with a bright red bow and delivered them to the homeless in our community on Christmas Eve.”
Janelle has also developed quite a social media following which she uses to educate her community about local businesses. She shares, “I partner with friends who own their own businesses to offer “giveaway” items to allow the community to become more aware of the amazing local talent we have so close to home.” Moreover, every Tuesday Janelle hosts virtual seminars in which she offers Real Estate tips to her followers – everything from market statistics and trends to ways to maintain your homes.
Staying Ahead in the Race
Looking ahead, Janelle strives to maintain the highest level of care for each client, aiding them in finding the home of their dreams. She says, “I give my clients fabled service: an overall experience that will bring me to the top of their mind whenever they think or hear of anything real estate related. I create value for my clients and recognize the privilege it is to serve others and put the needs of others before myself.”
Happily entrenched in the community she has served her whole life, and an establishment that comes with a heritage in innovating the luxury real estate industry, for Janelle Flaherty, this is just the beginning.
