“I’m so fortunate I have the opportunity to spend every day with Tracy.” These words are spoken by Rob Zimmerman, co-founder of Sold By Zimmerman. As we celebrate Valentine’s Day this month, what a perfect time to share their heartfelt and inspiring story of lasting love and successful entrepreneurship.
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Rob worked in television in Los Angeles for NBC before moving to Portland, Oregon, to pursue a job in advertising. One evening at a Junior Ad Club meeting, he approached Tracy and asked, “Is anyone sitting here?” She responded “No,” and Rob said, “Great; there is now.”
Raised in Spokane, Washington, Tracy began her television advertising career in Portland at a local TV station. Together they founded Piranha Pictures 1995 in Birmingham, Alabama, a production company specializing in television commercials and films. They moved to Nashville in 1996, producing national TV commercials for ad agencies across the country. One of their many national awards was creating the state of Tennessee’s “Booze It and Lose It” television ad campaign, which won a national Emmy Award in 2005.
Due to the increasing changes in technology and production, Rob and Tracy closed Piranha Pictures and founded Sold by Zimmerman in 2019. Tracy notes, “We decided our marketing experience and knowledge of the community would be perfect for real estate.” Rob adds, “You deserve to have the best agent! If you don’t like what someone is telling you, talk to more people.”
Their tips for sellers include: Interview realtors to find listing agents with the best marketing plan and a proven track record
of selling homes in your area and price point; Find realtors who work with trusted contractors and can carry you smoothly through pre-listing and inspection to close; Look for realtors you connect with and will negotiate the best price and terms for your house.
The Sold by Zimmerman duo say "Now is a great time to buy. The deals are incredible!" Their tips for buyers include: Do your homework and interview more than one buyer's agent. Find a go-getter who will actively look for houses through networking and off-market opportunities; Read the book “Your First Home” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. Even if you’re a previous homeowner, this book simplifies the home buying process; You can buy a house with 5-10% down with little or no PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance); You can secure a loan if you’re self-employed. Loans are available for all kinds of buyers; Date the rate; marry the house. If you love the house, buy it! You can always refinance the interest rate later.
SoldByZimmerman.com