EXECUTIVE AGENT MAGAZINE-JIM ZAPPULLA

Jim Zappulla

Executive Agent of the Month

Written by H. K. Wilson - Photography by Rose Pierce Portraits

Lavish coastal estates, A-list celebrities, exotic sports cars, hot tubs with ocean views — no, it’s not a hip-hop video. It’s a day in the life of Jim Zappulla, also known as the “JZ of Real Estate.”

With more than four decades of experience spanning residential, income, bank-owned REOs, short sales, 1031 exchanges, executive relocations, equestrian and view properties throughout the Palos Verdes Peninsula and L.A.’s South Bay, there is virtually no one with more

street cred in the real estate world than Jim. Among the top 100 California Realtors® at RE/MAX for 30 consecutive years, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at RE/MAX International and a top producer at Keller Williams Realty for more than 20 years, he is a true real estate celebrity. The numerous awards Jim has earned during his career are a tribute to his market knowledge, professionalism and ability to deliver unforgettable service to clients from the rich and famous to families buying their first homes.

At only 18 years of age, Jim followed his mother into the real estate business and loved it so much that he never thought of doing anything else. He has remained a fixture in the South Bay community, and his influence has helped to shape the local landscape and preserve local traditions. He consulted on the construction of new homes in Rolling Hills Country Club and was a bold voice in maintaining horse trails throughout Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes. He has lived, in Rolling Hills Estates for 25 years and has worked and raised a family there, and he knows exactly what makes each South Bay street and neighborhood special.

Through all of his success, Jim remains a down-to-earth

guy who is quick to give credit to others. “No one professional in real estate makes it on their own,” he says. “It’s the team and people behind them that make them successful. Choosing the right people for escrow and title is very, very important, and so is your transaction coordinator. I don’t look at anybody’s success as just on them alone. I admire successful agents because they put a team together that works cooperatively to get good results.”

Jim maintains a collaborative partnership with Realtor® Rocio Ortegon, and his son Taylor Zappulla obtained his real estate license and joined Jim’s practice in 2021. “It means that if I go on vacation, I always have somebody backing up my business,” Jim says.

The result of delivering world-class service for 40-plus years is that Jim’s business runs entirely on referrals and repeat clients. A satisfied buyer described their experience this way: “Jim is a full-service Realtor® and routinely went above and beyond. His work ethic is second to none. He worked tirelessly around the clock the entire process, and continuously communicated to keep us informed and prepared. Through his 40 years of experience, he has built a team and a network that he leveraged to give us the very best service and/or resource every step. Whether it was choosing a lender, a

contractor for electrical work or buying new appliances, he used his resources to save us money and give us the highest quality service and/or product. His expertise, knowledge, and negotiating skills made it easy to trust Jim and gave us confidence that we would be able to make informed decisions and get the best deal possible. He treated us like family and genuinely got to know us and our son. He approached the entire process from our perspective and ensured our best interests and priorities were met. He far exceeded our expectations and was exemplary in every way.”

Kickin’ It With the JZ of Real Estate

Jim grew up in Connecticut, where he has happy memories of playing Pop Warner football. “My father was a coach and one of the founders of Pop Warner football in Connecticut.” He also enjoyed helping with chores and riding horses on his aunt’s farm. It is no surprise that he went on to own a mini ranch in Palos Verdes, inspired by his childhood love of rural life. Today, his passion is exotic cars, and his latest love is a C8 Corvette 3LT. But putting all of the SoCal glamour aside, Jim says, “My greatest priorities are God, family, then business. In that order, you can never go wrong.”

According to Jim, being the JZ of Real Estate is the best job in the world. He still loves what he does, and the thrill of meeting new people and learning new things never diminishes. “Making the purchase of a home is probably the most important and gratifying thing people ever do. It’s okay to take your time and make sure you’re very happy with your decision. When escrow closes, it will change your life forever.”

Incredible Custom View Home

55240 Pebble Beach, La Quinta, CA 92253

One of a kind incredible custom home situated on a premier lot on a private lake offering amazing 360 degree views of mountains. This contemporary home has a huge private gated courtyard with a resort style pool with cascading waterfalls surrounded by gorgeous tropical landscape and beautiful southern mountain views. Enter the house through custom etched glass double entry doors to a large great room with over 20 foot wood paneled ceilings. A floor to ceiling fireplace is a focal point plus custom art sculptures that frame the room. There is also a wet bar. Floor to ceiling sliders and glass bring the views to life. Gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances, slab granite counter tops custom cabinetry with loads of storage and breathtaking lake views. Large private custom built in BBQ. The enormous master suite has high wood paneled ceilings, romantic fireplace plus sitting area and a spa like primary bath. Huge walk in closet! Gorgeous view! There are 3 additional bedroom suites each with private patios. The 4th bedroom is currently used as an office. No expense was spared using the finest materials and upgrades on this home including beautiful travertine floors with full baseboard lutron lighting system and top of the line electronics. The backyard has the most amazing lake front location to enjoy the tranquil wild life and peaceful views! There is a two car garage plus cart garage. Offered furnished per inventory. Don’t miss this hidden gem.

Sold: $2,250,000

Location, Location, Location

820 Esther Ave. Long Beach, CA

Great location on this amazing Office/Warehouse in the 710 corridor in Long Beach. Approximately 6,800 square foot improvement on a large 14,000+ square foot lot. Private access and parking on both sides of the completely gated Complex. Zoned light Industrial, cannabis cultivation and manufacturing. Also perfect for restoration shop for exotic cars and car collectors. All new upgraded office space with 2 bathrooms and kitchen. Offices have direct access to the warehouse. A must to see. Priced at $3,299,000

Rolling Hills Ranch

0 Eastfield Dr, Rolling Hills, CA

Exquisite one level Rolling Hills Ranch with approximately 1 & 1 /4 acre of flat and useable property. Room for Large pool and guest house. Inside soaring vaulted ceilings with large skylights and giant wood burning fireplace. 8 inch plank hardwood flooring throughout main traffic areas Lager Kitchen with corian counters and large center island and top of the line appliances with commercial Sub Zero refrigerator. Spacious 4 Bedroom with fireplace in 4th Bedroom. Indoor sauna with sink and shower. French doors lead that lead to balcony the length of the home. Over 10 fruit trees on this flat and all useable lot. Room for Guest House and horses. Central air and heating. Oversized 2 car garage. Turn around driveway. Convenient to everything.

Pending $3,150,000

Coastline & Catalina Island Views

6161 Arrowroot Ln, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Wonderful Life Estate Sale on the California Coast. This amazing estate features a 2182 square foot single level 2 bedroom/3 bath home overlooking the coastline of Rancho Palos Verdes. The lot boasts over 33,000 square foot lot with unobstructed Ocean, Catalina Island and Coastline view. This Special Home was the famous Research House in 1956. The grounds are complemented by an inground pool and patio. Call Jim Zappulla or Rocio Ortegon for more infrmatiom. This home is located across from the popular Terranea Resort!

Offered at $3,000,000