Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty brings Ellen Christianson’s firm into its fold

Her Belle Meade-based office has 28 agents; part of Nashville real estate’s DNA

Ellen Christianson, a prominent leader in Nashville’s real estate community, has merged her iconic Belle Meade firm with Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty.

With the merger, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty has approximately 150 real estate agents and 20 support staff in its three Middle Tennessee offices: Green Hills, Franklin and now Belle Meade.

The former Christianson Patterson Courtney & Associates has 28 real estate agents and 3 support staff who will join Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty. The firm has been in Belle Meade since 1986, and Christianson has been involved in Nashville real estate since the mid-1970s. She will serve as managing broker of the Belle Meade location as the office is rebranded under the Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty name.

“Our firms share the same values with an emphasis on relationships, extraordinary customer service and market expertise,” said Jessica Averbuch, CEO, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty. “For those reasons, we have been well aligned over the years and our agents have helped thousands of people discover their personal definitions of luxury. It’s a perfect match and we’re proud to officially make Ellen and her firm part of the Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty team.”

Christianson has been part of the fabric of Nashville real estate for four decades. Like Shirley Zeitlin, founder of Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty in 1979, Christianson started her own firm and helped to begin and advance the careers of hundreds of Realtors. Early in her career, Christianson worked with Ms. Zeitlin on the development of Cottonwood, which is still one of Williamson County’s most desirable neighborhoods.

“Shirley is a longtime friend and mentor, and to become part of the incredible firm she and Jessica have built is a true honor,” said Christianson. “I’ve had several offers to merge my firm with other brokerages over the years, but the values and mission we share with Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty made this the clear choice. With their commitment to new technology and ability to utilize the cutting-edge Sotheby’s International Realty platform to buy and sell homes — as well as the expertise and presence in Middle Tennessee’s most luxurious neighborhoods — we’ve become an even better resource for our clients.”