Rob Zelem
Rob Zelem: Strategic Solutions for a Better Way Home
Rob Zelem has been giving buyers and sellers the strategic market advantage for more than 25 years. Rob offers his clients an aggressive game plan for every step in the buying and selling process based on real-time market insights with their goals as the driving force. As a result of Rob’s exceptional methods, his business volume has a record of being in the Top 20% of the most productive agents -- country wide.
As a Certified Negotiation Expert, Rob provides strategic direction throughout the negotiation process based on proven strategies for success. That success has made him a recognized leader in the industry. As such, top agents in the Triangle consult Rob and experience an average increase in sales by 87% as a result of following his competitive methods. And the cornerstone of Rob’s business model is an unwavering commitment to customer relations based on respect and honest communication, with integrity as a way of life.
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Testimonials
"I've known Rob for many years from when he was part of a Real Estate team that sold the houses in a subdivision I was building. His team outsold every subdivision project my company was building in 3 states. So, naturally when I was going to sell my house, I contacted him. After going through the details he said he thought he could sell my house in 2 weeks(!) It actually took him 3. He got the job done and that's why I hired him. However, what I didn't realize was how much help he would actually provide. He was selfless in providing a lot of contacts he has developed over the years from being in the business which were invaluable in getting the property ready for market. (If you are selling and need to make updates or renovate, his knowledge is a huge asset). He did a fantastic job staging the house and marketing the listing which I am sure was an important part of how it sold so quickly. His team is organized and accessible. Selling a house is stressful and he is well aware of this an"
-Thomas Moore, Client
"Rob helped us find our dream home! He was knowledgeable, kind, and always willing to answer any questions we had along the way!"
-Holly Pericozzi, Client
"Donna Burnette is a wonderful realtor who kept us updated and informed every step of the way. She was very knowledgeable and detailed oriented which we greatly appreciated while moving to the area from another state. We highly recommend!"
-Amy Wilson, Client
"We met Rob at an open house in Heritage and were very impressed with his professionalism. When we were ready to list our home in Wakefield we reached out to him. With his help and that of his team we had a signed offer within five days. We really appreciated his positive presentation and aggressive approach. Highly recommend Zelem Real Estate."
-Lisa Fody, Client
Zelem Real Estate at LPT Realty
At Zelem Real Estate, our team is built on experience, transparency, and a shared commitment to serving clients with integrity. Every member brings a strong professional background in the real estate industry along with deep familiarity with the Wake Forest and Triangle markets. This combination allows us to provide reliable guidance, informed recommendations, and a level of care that reflects the trust our clients place in us.
We believe real estate decisions deserve clarity and real human support. Our team collaborates daily to ensure that every buyer, seller, and investor receives accurate information, well-structured processes, and thoughtful communication from start to finish. By blending industry expertise with a people-first approach, we create a dependable and steady experience that clients can feel confident in.
Below, you’ll meet the individuals who shape our work. Each brings valuable skills, proven experience, and a commitment to delivering trustworthy real estate service in Wake Forest and across the Triangle.
Team Leader/Owner: Rob Zelem
In the summer of 1993, a young man named Rob bought his first home. It was an inviting twin in a charming suburb of historic Philadelphia. Rob was a self-starter and he’d just paid his way through a business degree by successfully balancing work and study. He excelled in business. And he loved people. And with that first transaction on Lawnside Avenue, Rob Zelem discovered his passion. It was then he knew he wanted to spend his life helping people make their dreams come true by way of home sweet home.
Nearly 32 years later, Rob’s passion remains unwavering. His clients reap the benefits as they gain a leading market advantage through his expertise. He always begins with a strategic game plan for every step in the buying and selling process based on real-time market insights – with their goalsas the driving force. As a Certified Negotiation Expert, Rob provides skillful direction throughout the negotiation process based on proven strategies for success. As a result of Rob’s exceptional methods, his business volume has a record of being in the Top 20% of the most productive agents – countrywide.
Rob’s been married for 29 years to his wife, Tanya, and they enjoy the fun and privilege of being parents to their college school son. Always learning, always growing.
You can reach Rob at (919) 906-3793 or Rob@ZelemRealEstate.com
Operations Manager: Nadine Sanchez
Nadine Sanchez serves as the Client Services Specialist at Zelem Real Estate, bringing nearly two decades of real estate experience and a proven record of operational leadership. Since beginning her career in 2007, she has worked across lending, appraisal support, brokerage operations, and transaction management. She joined Zelem Real Estate in 2019 and has been an integral part of the team’s growth and client experience ever since.
Before joining Zelem Real Estate, Nadine owned and operated a successful transaction coordination business for eight years. She supported an entire Keller Williams office along with independent agents across multiple markets. This background refined her ability to manage complex workloads, create efficient processes, and ensure smooth, consistent transactions for both agents and clients.
At Zelem Real Estate, Nadine is the organizational core of the team. She develops and maintains the systems that support daily operations, oversees marketing coordination, manages team events, and provides essential assistance throughout the transaction process. Known for her warm communication style and proactive approach, Nadine ensures clients feel informed, supported, and confident from contract to close.
Nadine leads with a simple guiding principle. Treat people the way you would want to be treated. She anticipates questions before they arise and works to create an experience that consistently exceeds expectations.
Outside the office, she enjoys building community. She manages a local kickball team she founded in 2021 and loves spending time outdoors with her husband, toddler daughter, and her energetic dog, Bella. Nadine is also active in her church community and carries forward lessons from mission trips that continue to shape her perspective and purpose.
Nadine’s experience, leadership, and heart for service make her an essential part of Zelem Real Estate’s dedication to exceptional client care.
You can reach Nadine at (909) 244-4512 or ClientServices@ZelemRealEstate.com
Donna Burnette:
North Carolina native, Donna Burnette, is originally from Burgaw, in the eastern part of the state
where her extended family still resides. She attributes her strong work ethic to the lessons she
learned starting at age 12 packing blueberries for a local farmer and working on her family’s
tobacco farm.
Donna completed the teacher licensure program and obtained her BA in History from Meredith
College in 1994. While in college, Donna grew to love the Raleigh area and decided to make it her
home after graduation. She moved to Wake Forest in 2000. After a brief time in the classroom,
she went worked in a customer service role at IBM. After IBM she went on to work for a real
estate developer in Wake Forest in an administrative, event planning, and fundraising role. Prior
to starting her career in real estate, Donna worked for over 20 years as an event planner for
non-profit organizations, corporations, and a local up-scale event venue. In 2015 Donna
obtained her North Carolina real estate license after a lot of encouragement from a friend in
the business who saw how her past work experiences would serve her well in the real estate
industry. Since obtaining her license, Donna has been a member of a mega team in the Triangle
as well as a solo agent. She is now very excited to be part of the Zelem Real Estate Team to
further sharpen her skills in this ever-changing business. Donna serves all of the greater Triangle
area. She enjoys working with clients of all ages, and especially enjoys working with the 55+
population. She obtained her SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) designation in 2020 to be
better equipped to meet the needs of the seniors that she serves.
Donna is the proud wife of Ray and mother of her elementary aged daughter, Shelby. Donna is
very grateful to Ray and Shelby for how they support her in her career. Ray, Shelby, and Donna
currently reside in Wake Forest. When Donna is not helping buyers and sellers with one of the
most important financial decisions of their lifetime, Donna enjoys giving back to her church and
community. Over the years, she has served on numerous church committees and community
organizations, including work with the local Koinonia Foundation. In 2010, she was awarded the
Russell Dew Community Service Award.
As you can imagine, Donna’s personal time is largely spent spending quality time with her family
and friends and volunteering in her community. She also enjoys crafting (specifically quilting)
and organizing.
You can reach Donna at (919) 554-6252
