Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale luxury real estate, the buying and selling process, and how to work with Yong Choi of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Who is Yong Choi?
Yong Choi is a Global Real Estate Advisor with Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty in North Scottsdale, Arizona. He pairs 32+ years of mortgage-lending leadership with hands-on representation for luxury buyers and sellers across the Phoenix Metro.
What areas does Yong Choi serve?
Yong represents clients across North Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Desert Mountain, Carefree, and Cave Creek, with deep focus on the signature luxury communities of Silverleaf, DC Ranch, Estancia, and Desert Mountain.
How does a buyer's agent get paid in Arizona, and what does it cost?
Commissions are fully negotiable and not set by law. Following the National Association of Realtors practice changes that took effect in August 2024, your Realtor will sign a written representation agreement with you before touring a home that clearly states their compensation. Buyer-agent compensation is no longer advertised in the MLS, but a seller or listing brokerage can still contribute toward it when negotiated in writing.
Does Yong Choi represent sellers as well as buyers?
Yes. Yong represents both buyers and sellers. His mortgage background means he prices and positions a listing with a clear read on how buyers will finance it — and on which offers will actually close.
How many golf courses does Desert Mountain have?
Seven — six Jack Nicklaus Signature championship courses (Renegade, Cochise, Geronimo, Apache, Chiricahua, and Outlaw) plus the distinctive par-54 No. 7. It is the world’s largest collection of private Jack Nicklaus Signature courses, alongside non-golf amenities including multiple clubhouses, dining, tennis and pickleball, a spa and fitness center, and roughly 25 miles of private trails.
Do you have to join the Desert Mountain Club to own a home there?
No. Club membership is optional and separate from home ownership. Every owner belongs to the community association, but joining the Desert Mountain Club is a separate choice that also requires club approval. Some homes are marketed with immediate membership access; many are sold without it.
What makes Desert Mountain real estate unique?
Desert Mountain is a private, member-owned club community spread across roughly 8,000 acres of upper Sonoran Desert in North Scottsdale, including about 3,000 acres of dedicated preserve. It combines six Jack Nicklaus Signature courses (plus the par-54 No. 7), extensive trails and clubhouses, and custom estates set within secluded villages.
Is Paradise Valley part of Scottsdale or Phoenix?
Neither. Paradise Valley is its own incorporated town in Maricopa County, established in 1961, with its own mayor and town council. It sits between Phoenix and Scottsdale but governs itself, and is known for its low-density, almost entirely residential character — ZIP 85253 is consistently cited as the most expensive in Arizona.
Which school districts serve North Scottsdale’s luxury communities?
Silverleaf and DC Ranch are in the Scottsdale Unified School District (Copper Ridge School sits in the center of DC Ranch). Carefree, Cave Creek, and the Desert Mountain community are in the Cave Creek Unified School District, whose comprehensive high school is Cactus Shadows. Note that the similarly named Desert Mountain High School is a separate Scottsdale Unified school and does not serve the Desert Mountain community. School assignments are by address, so confirm your specific home with the district.
What is the difference between Carefree and Cave Creek?
Both are small towns just north of Scottsdale with different personalities. Carefree is a mid-century planned community — more curated and resort-like, centered on its landmark Sundial in the town core. Cave Creek grew from an 1870s mining and frontier settlement and keeps a more rural, Western, equestrian character.
Does Arizona have a real estate transfer tax?
No. Arizona’s constitution prohibits any new real estate transfer tax (Article 9, Section 24, approved by voters in 2008), which is a meaningful saving for buyers and sellers relative to many other states. Buyers do pay a nominal flat $2 Affidavit of Property Value fee plus ordinary recording fees — not a percentage-based transfer tax.
How do property taxes work in Maricopa County?
The County Assessor sets each property’s value annually (a market-based Full Cash Value and a Limited Property Value used for most taxes, which generally can’t rise more than 5% a year). Owner-occupied homes are assessed at 10% of value, then taxed at combined rates from local jurisdictions — schools being the largest share — and the County Treasurer issues the bill. Arizona’s effective property-tax rates are relatively low versus the national average; exact amounts vary by location and year.
When is the best time to buy or sell luxury real estate in Scottsdale?
North Scottsdale’s luxury market is seasonal, driven by winter "snowbird" demand from roughly late fall through spring. Sellers typically see the most buyer activity in the winter season, while buyers may find less competition — though less inventory — in the slower summer months.
How do I see current luxury listings, and how do I reach Yong?
Browse active luxury listings on the Listings and Portfolio pages, or explore a specific enclave through its community guide; quarterly market reports are published on the Market Reports page. To reach Yong directly, call or text (909) 376-5494, email yong.choi@russlyon.com, or use the contact form. He works from the Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty office in North Scottsdale.