Dream Street 2022: John Zimmerman on Selling a Dream Home

John Zimmerman of Compass talks Dream Street, Montrachet, and the state of the market amid the ongoing pandemic.

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The 2021 Fort Worth Magazine Dream Street, the sequel to last year’s wildly successful inaugural Dream Street, will feature three stunning, luxury homes built, designed, and decorated by some of the region’s best builders, architects, and designers.

Tim Windmiller of Windmiller Custom Homes; Rick Wegman, Karl Hahnfeld, John Giordano, and Rob Cocanower of HGC Residential Development; and John Webb of Heritage Homes will each construct homes that will showcase the latest trends in design and technology in the new Montrachet development in West Fort Worth. The homes will be open for touring this winter, and all proceeds will go to a Wish with Wings, the magazine’s flagship charity that grants wishes to children with life-threatening conditions.

A home typically has three stages: design, build (which includes interior decoration), and sell. Ultimately, everything hinges on the sale, a pressure-packed job that lies in the hands of the Realtor. But how does one sell a home with such a niche clientele? And how has the past year affected the business? We posed these questions to local real estate broker, John Zimmerman of Compass, who is also the real estate agent for one of the three homes that comprises the Fort Worth Magazine Dream Street.

FW: Who would be your prospective buyer for your Dream Street home? And what do you do to target this person? 

John Zimmerman: A buyer who wants to enjoy the Montrachet lifestyle, wants to be close to all the city has to offer, while also being able to escape to the country every day. We have an extensive marketing plan tailored to Montrachet, from digital and print advertising to social media and events. Of course, the easiest way to persuade a prospective buyer is to take them out to Montrachet, drive them around, and let them experience the natural beauty. And they are usually all in.

FW: How would you describe the strength of the market this past year amid COVID-19?

JZ: When COVID-19 first hit, the real estate business — like every other industry — came to a standstill. But, amazingly, the market rebounded and even got better quickly. All the time people spent working from home, schooling their children, and quarantining made many realize they wanted more space or needed different amenities that were not a priority prior to COVID-19.

FW: How has COVID-19 changed your approach as a Realtor? 

JZ: Obviously, the health and well-being of our clients are very important to us. We have adjusted the way homes are shown to potential buyers and have incorporated CDC guidelines into our everyday business.

FW: With the vaccines and COVID-19 seemingly on the way out (knock on wood), what kind of impact will this have on the market? 

JZ: The market will continue to remain strong, and interest rates are predicted to stay low.

FW: With what appears to be an influx of people moving to larger density areas and city centers, what effect has this had on suburban areas? 

JZ: Our experience is that a lot of people who lived in more urban areas are looking for space now to spread out. Many people no longer have to report to a brick-and-mortar office, so they want their home to feel like a retreat.

FW: What makes West Fort Worth and, particularly, Montrachet, a desirable location for people and families? 

JZ: Space to spread out, miles of walking trails, security, tons of amenities, close to all the private schools and, of course, beautiful custom homes built by the best in the business.

FW: What areas in Greater Fort Worth do you suspect will be booming in the near future? What are the up-and-coming neighborhoods? 

JZ: I think Montrachet is at the top of the list simply because there is no other neighborhood like it. Walsh Ranch continues to grow, and the River District seems to be a legitimate up-and-comer.

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4624 Esprit

Style: Texas Regional Vernacular  |  Sq. ft. 5,914  |  Bed: 4  |  Bath: 5 1/2  |  Garage: 3-car

Builder: Heritage Homes

Realtor: Martha Williams, Williams Trew

Interior Designer: Susan Semmelmann Interiors

Countertop Materials (all): Levantina

Fireplaces Interior linear plus inserts: Overhead Door Company of Fort Worth

Flooring : Galvan Floors

Fireplace Tile: Cosentino

Garage Doors/Openers: Overhead Door Company of Fort Worth

Glass (showers-mirrors-other): Galactic Glass

Gutters: Loveless Gutters

Home Plans: Heritage Design Studio

Patio Screens: Victory Awning

Plumbing Labor & Supplies: Pro Serve Plumbing

4616 Esprit

Style: Tudor  |  Sq. ft.: 6,255  |  Bed: 5  |  Bath: 6  |  Garage: 3-car

Builder: HGC Residential Development

Realtor: Christie’s International Real Estate | Ulterre

Appliances: Expressions Home Gallery

Doors Front: Durango Doors

Flooring: Vintage Floors

Flooring TILE (material all spaces): Interceramic USA

Gutters: Loveless Gutters

Home Plans: Karl Hahnfeld Design Group

Plumbing Fixtures: Expressions Home Gallery

Pool: J Caldwell Custom Pools

Stone and Brick Supplies: Metro Brick and Stone

4632 Esprit

Style: Cape Dutch  |  Sq. ft.: 5,456  |  Bed: 4  |  Bath: 5  |  Garage: 3-car

Builder: Windmiller Custom Homes

Realtor: John Zimmerman, Compass

Interior Designer: Amira Windmiller Interiors

Concrete: GHC Concrete Services

Countertop Fabrication: American Marble & Granite

Countertop Materials (all): Levantina

Fireplaces Interior linear plus inserts: Overhead Door Company of Fort Worth

Garage Doors/Openers: Open Up Garage Doors

Gutters: Loveless Gutters

Home Plans: Montebello Architecture & Design

Low Voltage/AV/Security: Comware AV

Plumbing Labor & Supplies: Pro Serve Plumbing

Roofing/Flashing: Texas Tile Roofing

Windows and Doors: Builders FirstSource