BERNELL ZORN

Bernell Zorn of Renton, Washington, has built a successful business as a REALTOR® by embracing his passion for service (of military, veterans, and family) and becoming a living, breathing example of his everyday motto: “Opening Doors and Unlocking Dreams.” “It sounds simple on paper, but I wake up and chase it every day. ‘Opening doors and unlocking dreams’ is about a lot more than just selling houses. I get to talk to all kinds of people who think they don’t qualify for a loan or can’t afford a home and help make them aware about the opportunities that are out there. Even if they don’t end up working with me, I still get to help, educate, and share knowledge – everybody wants to own their own piece of paradise.”

While serving his twenty-year career on active duty military, Bernell found himself constantly drawn to real estate and financial education. “I’ve helped soldiers buy and sell houses since 2005,” he recalls, “I’ve just always had a passion for it. And when I retired from active duty and went to work at Nordstrom’s as a senior manager, the pandemic had a big effect on my livelihood; but I wasn’t going to let that slow me down or stop me from providing for my family.” Bernell decided to pursue his licensure and became an official REALTOR® in October of 2021, and despite personal and global turmoil, he has established an enterprise that is poised to grow in Seattle and beyond.

Since becoming licensed and signing on as a solo agent with John L. Scott Real Estate, Bernell has closed twenty-two total transactions split evenly between listing and purchasing, and he boasts a book of business that is already fifty percent referral clients. While he focuses his efforts in Seattle and King County, he proudly emphasizes individuals over geographic territory. “I’ll go anywhere I need to go to take care of veterans and my military community. I have a client right now out in Sequim, Washington, one hundred and twenty-two miles from me, who is the mother of a veteran friend and I want to make sure she’s taken care of.”

This unparalleled level of service extends beyond his own personal connections and into the greater community. Bernell is the active House and Clubs Chairman for the Renton VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), has pending memberships for the CVMA (Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association) and The Eagles, and he is a regular supporter and active member of the Northwest USO. “Last year I gave almost $5,000 to support a golf scramble and auction, and I was able to donate a 2005 Honda to a service member. I know how it is to be a young husband with kids in the military – that’s why my goal for this year is thirty transactions. I want to be able to do more of the same, and help even more people than I already have.”

Bernell’s unwavering passion for charity and education fuels his endeavors, and he aims to grow his business by continuing to invest, both in properties and in like minded agents and brokers; but more important than the numbers and lofty ambitions are the conversations he holds every day. “I like to talk to people about their goals and their lives. Sometimes that turns into business – but I just look forward to helping any way I can.”

To learn more about Bernell Zorn, email BernellZorn@johnlscott.com or call 206-550-9337