Our Story
1979
Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty has been locally owned and operated since 1979 when it was founded by Shirley Zeitlin. Originally named Shirley Zeitlin & Co., Realtors, the company’s mission was to build an organization of full-time professionals who would provide exceptional real estate representation across Middle Tennessee.
Led by industry innovators Shirley Zeitlin, Founder; Jessica Averbuch, CEO; and Sam Averbuch, COO, the company affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty in 2018, ushering a new era of luxury real estate to the Middle Tennessee community.
Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to be a legacy company, locally rooted, globally connected, and providing exceptional service at every price point. Backed by a community of over 160 agents serving more than 19 counties across the region, the brokerage excels at coupling the power of a global brand with unmatched local knowledge and central roots.
1981
A relocation and marketing department is created in 1981 to pursue corporate development and relocation services. Shortly thereafter the company becomes affiliated with the national network now known as Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.
1983 – 1990
In 1983, Shirley Zeitlin is named the president of the Nashville Board of Realtors, and in 1990 Shirley is the first-ever female president of the Tennessee Association of Realtors.
2000 – 2006
To better service the growing Williamson County market, a Franklin office is opened in 2000. In 2006, Shirley Zeitlin & Company Realtors officially changes its name to Zeitlin & Co., Realtors.
2007 – 2010
In 2007, Sam and Jessica Averbuch become partners in the firm, and in 2009 Sam Averbuch is named CFO (title later changed to COO). In 2010, Jessica Averbuch is named Vice President of Education, and Paige Thompson is named VP of Relocation and Corporate Services. A joint venture with Shelter Lending Services is also created that year.
2011 – 2016
In 2011, Jessica Averbuch is named Managing Broker of the Green Hills office, and in October of 2016 she is named CEO of Zeitlin & Co., Realtors.
2018
In April of 2018, Zeitlin & Co., Realtors affiliates with Sotheby’s International Realty to become Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty. In July of that year, the Franklin office is moved to a prominent location on Franklin Road to become the Williamson County office. And in December, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty merges with Christianson Patterson Courtney & Associates to form the Belle Meade office.
2019
The new leadership team is announced in 2019 with Stephanie Brooks as Managing Broker of the Belle Meade office, Charlie Neese as Managing Broker of the Williamson County office and Jenny Telwar as Managing Broker of the Green Hills office.
TODAY
Today, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty has grown to over 170 agents with an office in Nashville and Williamson County.