Experience, Ethics & Expertise
- Over 34 years in Real Estate
- Typically sells over 40 homes a year and more than 1,200 homes sold since 1978
- MBA from Anderson School at UCLA with an emphasis in Real Estate and Economics
- Co-founded South Bay Brokers, Inc in 1985
Specialization
Jim specializes in new single family homes, development & new construction, existing single family homes and condominiums & townhomes. When representing sellers, Jim enjoys getting the highest price for his clients properties. When helping buyers, he enjoys helping clients find the right property for their lifestyle changes. In either situation, whether representing sellers or buyers, Jim anticipates issues, navigates around them, and provides a stress-free experience. Jim maintains the highest integrity that so that his advice is greatly valued by his clients.
Education
Jim has a BA in Economics from UCLA (1969) and graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa. He has an MBA with concentration in Real Estate and Finance from the Anderson School at UCLA (1981). He continually upgrades his education within real estate specialties and designations. In 2011, Jim received two designations in short pay procedures from CAR and NAR.
Real Estate Professional Experience
Jim's Experience: Jim has been in the industry for 34 years and holds a brokers license. Jim typically sells 20-25 properties a year or at least $20 million in gross sales annually. Since 1978, he has sold well over 1,200 properties personally. He actively sells new construction, apartment investments, and commercial properties. In addition to sales, Jim has personally developed approximately 100 new custom homes, townhomes and apartment units. He has an active portfolio of over 200+ clients. Many of Jims clients have been very successful financially with his counsel.
Jim's Clientele: Jim has experienced a lot of success in real estate. With Jims background in economics and business, and love for people, it was a natural. The business of helping individuals and families find the right property for their lives is very satisfying. Jim enjoys the business all the more when his clients become his good friends. Many of Jims clients are entrepreneurs, executives and business owners.
Jim's Company: Jim is Co-CEO and Founder of South Bay Brokers, Inc., which had an average annual sales volume of $700 million for 2005 through 2011; gross sales exceeded $500 million in 2011. South Bay Brokers has 105 friendly and competent agents, 12 staff members in the six locations of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach, El Segundo and Downtown Manhattan. In 2011, South Bay Brokers was the 15th largest real estate firm, based on sales volume, in Los Angeles County according to the LA Business Journal. Perhaps even more remarkable is that South Bay Brokers has had the highest volume per agent of any office in LA County for the twenty years between 1990 and 2011. This brokerage is co-owned with Jims partner, Jack Gillespie. Excellence in real estate brokerage is the standard at this firm. Please see www.southbaybrokers.com
Teaching: Jim is the risk manager at South Bay Brokers and currently teaches a series of real estate classes in risk management practices, real estate economics, mold issues, and after-tax financial analysis
Affiliated Firms: Jim is the major shareholder for Marine View Management (property management) e-escrows incorporated (escrow). Both of these firms are affiliated with South Bay Brokers Inc. and serve our clients. Service levels are high at these affiliated firms.
Personal Profile
Family: Jim has been married to Jean Van Zanten for 34 years and they have one wonderful son, Eric. Jean has served on the Board of Directors of the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation for 7 years. Jean was also a V.P. of the Mira Costa High School PTA, and served two years as President of the Manhattan Beach Middle School PTA. In her business setting, Jean is the C.O.O. of e-escrows inc. hkh
Sense of Giving Back to the Community
Jim believes that life is so much more than just a focus on business. Jim has been active in many other community and professional efforts. Professionally, he has served as a South Bay Association of Realtors Board President, and the Regional Vice President of the California Association of Realtors. Previously, he was named "Realtor of the Year" for his contributions. In 2011, he was nominated for Broker of the Year. Recently, Jim was the enthusiastic president of the Mira Costa High School Band Boosters (2008-2011); at this time, Jim still helps with obtaining major donations. The MCHS band groups (nine in all) have 175 students and compete during the year and win awards constantly. In the fall, winter and spring, the bands put on amazing concerts for the community. Jim currently serves on the Mira Costa Athletic Fields Committee (2010-2012) for the Manhattan Beach Unified School District and on the MBEF Business Advisory Committee (2010-2012). In addition, as an owner of South Bay Brokers, Jim financially supports the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation, Redondo Beach Educational Foundation, and different Mira Costa sport teams. Personally, The Van Zantens financially support the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, the Miller Children's Hospital, the UCLA Anderson School, the UCLA Fund, UCLA Athletics, the Pauley Pavilion Renovation Fund, the MCHS Band Boosters, the MCHS Orchestra Boosters, and the MCHS Drama Boosters. Jim is an active member at the Journey of Faith Church of Manhattan Beach and has participated in many of the building projects on this campus.
Community Awards
- Nominee for Broker of the Year 2011, South Bay Association of Realtors
- Winner of Outstanding Real Estate Entrepreneur 2009, Bank of Manhattan
- Nominee for Entrepreneur of the Real Estate Development 2008, Bank of Manhattan
- Nominee for Philanthropic Entrepreneur 2008, Bank of Manhattan
