Experience, Ethics & Expertise
- Over 31 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.
Education
Jim has a BA in Economics from UCLA and graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa. He has an MBA with concentration in Real Estate and Finance, Anderson School at UCLA.
Real Estate Professional Experience
Jim's Experience: Jim has been in the industry for 32 years and holds a broker’s license. Jim typically sells 40+ properties a year or approximately 20 to 25 million dollars in gross sales annually. Since 1978, he has sold well over 1,200 properties personally. In addition to single family homes, he actively sells new construction, apartment investments, and commercial properties. He has an active portfolio of over 250 clients. Jim’s clients have been very successful financially with his counsel.
Jim's Clientele: Jim has experienced a lot of success in real estate. With Jim’s 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.
Jim's Company: Jim is Co-CEO and Founder of South Bay Brokers, Inc., which had an average annual sales volume of $700,000,000 dollars for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. South Bay Brokers has 100 friendly and competent agents, 12 staff members in the two locations of Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. In 2008, SBBI 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 eighteen years between 1990 and 2008. This brokerage is co-owned with Jack Gillespie. Teaching: Jim currently teaches a series of real estate classes at South Bay Brokers in risk management practices, real estate economics, mold issues, and after-tax financial analysis. Jim handles the risk management processes at the firm and his clients benefit from this high level of expertise. 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 32 years and they have one great son, Eric. Jean currently serves on the board of Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, and as V.P. of the Mira Costa PTA; she recently finished two years as President of the Manhattan Beach Middle School PTA. Eric is now 17 years old, plays a great bass clarinet (as well as a B
clarinet and saxophone) attends Mira Costa High School, and is part of the MCHS Marching Band, Wind Ensemble & Concert Band.
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. He has also been named "Realtor of the Year."
At this time, Jim is President of the Mira Costa Band Boosters (2008-2010). The MCHS bands (seven different groups—marching, Colorguard, concert, symphonic, jazz, percussion studio & wind ensemble) have 150 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. The band boosters support the bands and connect all the parents to the program.
Jim is a very active member at the Journey of Faith Church of Manhattan Beach. In 2003-2004, Jim was in charge of $2,200,000 renovation to enhance the campus, sound system, and video capabilities. This renovation was completed on time and on budget. In addition, Jim led the four year effort to build a new children’s educational building on the campus that was completed in September 2009. The new building has 18,000 square feet, and cost about $6,000,000.
In addition, as an owner of South Bay Brokers, Jim has financially supported the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation, individual Mira Costa teams, Sandpipers, the Richstone Family Center, the Steve Harris Memorial Children's Fund and many others.
Community Awards
- Nominee for Entrepreneur of the Real Estate Development 2008, Bank of Manhattan
- Nominee for Philanthropic Entrepreneur 2008, Bank of Manhattan
- Winner of Outstanding Real Estate Entrepreneur, 2009, Bank of Manhattan
