Zach Payne

Zach Payne is not afraid to put in the work, have tough conversations, tell you the truth when others won't, or go the extra mile and a half to get the job done. He's the kind of guy who works late into the night when others won't, because he knows clients are counting on him. He operates with the work ethic of the good old days, and the expert knowledge of the latest technology in advertising and marketing, seamlessly blending two worlds you rarely see in today's real estate environment.

Zach Payne's journey into real estate evolved from a rich background in design, where he left an indelible mark on some of the most prestigious entertainment companies, celebrities, and luxury brands. Transitioning from the fast-paced streets of New York City back to his roots in the North Georgia mountains, Zach's return was fueled by a passion for real estate and a desire to leverage his innate sales acumen honed in the creative world.

Raised amidst the majestic landscapes of North Georgia, Zach's immersion in the real estate realm began practically at birth within his multi-generational family business. While his focus lies in the luxury property market and land development, Zach's expertise extends to serving buyers, sellers, and investors across North Georgia - in his own words “from Cabins to Castles.”

Guided by the mantra 'quality over quantity,' Zach delivers a bespoke 'Concierge-Style' service to his clients, characterized by integrity, ingenuity, and unwavering attention to detail. Within a remarkably short span, Zach's trailblazing approach has shattered sales records, amassing an impressive $140 Million in residential sales. With a portfolio that seamlessly marries rugged charm with refined elegance, Zach has earned the moniker 'the Ralph Lauren of Real Estate' from peers and clients alike - for his personal style, and his unique approach to business. His bold approach, unwavering integrity, and relentless pursuit of excellence serve as the cornerstone of his practice, setting him apart as a true trailblazer within the industry. While Zach's roots lie deep in the real estate soil, his personal style exudes a blend of rugged charm and refined elegance.

“I’m a ‘cowboy boots and hat guy’ selling multi-million dollar homes, but my image leans more towards western than suit and tie. I’ve found that my clients appreciate my relatability over posturing. I never want to pretend to be someone I’m not, especially when trust is so pivotal in our industry right now. I value my clients and their needs, and they value my objective opinion and honesty. That relatability sets the stage for a win-win on all sides, and a very comfortable, honest transaction process.”
— Zach, RealProducers Magazine 2024
Educated at the prestigious institutions, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and Savannah College of Art and Design, Zach holds a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising, a foundation that infuses his real estate practice with creativity and strategic vision.

As Zach charts the course for the future with PAYNE Real Estate, he remains unwavering in his commitment to innovation and excellence driven by a vision to redefine luxury and elevate the client experience. With a string of groundbreaking projects on the horizon, Zach's journey continues to inspire and captivate, proving that with passion, dedication, and a touch of creativity, the possibilities for success are limitless.

Notable Accomplishments
Licensed Broker
Over $140,000,000 in Residential Real Estate sales | Individual Agent
RealProducers Ranked The Top 100 in Georgia
RealTrends "The Thousand" Top Agent List in America
#1 Individual Agent by Closed Volume | Previous Brokerage
Top 5 Individual Agent by Closed Volume | Southeast Region
2022 Highest Residential Sale Price in History | Dawson, Lumpkin, White Counties
Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority Board Member
Life Member of the 400 North Board of REALTORS®
Circle of Excellence Life Member
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist