Meet Yael Katzman, a realtor in the sought-after Zichron Yaakov area.
Zichron Yaakov continues to grow in popularity, attracting both olim and investors looking for a unique blend of community, quality of life, and long-term potential.
Demand remains strong while inventory stays relatively limited – particularly in the town’s most sought-after neighborhoods. This combination has helped support steady property value growth and solidified Zichron’s reputation as one of the most desirable real estate markets in the region.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in real estate?
A: I was drawn to real estate through a very personal connection to building a life in Israel. Over the years, so many friends, family members, and people in our community naturally started turning to us for help finding their home here, and I realized how meaningful it is to be part of that journey. A home shapes so much of a family’s everyday life, especially in a place like Zichron Yaakov, where people are often looking for much more than just a house. They’re looking for community, lifestyle, connection, and a place that truly feels like home. I really love helping people find that feeling and build a life here in Israel that feels exciting, grounded, and right for them
Q: What areas or neighborhoods do you specialize in, and what makes them unique?
A: I specialize in Zichron Yaakov and the surrounding area. Each neighborhood and community throughout the region has its own unique character and charm, offering a wide variety of lifestyles and property types. From historic streets and homes full of old-world character, to modern family neighborhoods, apartments, semi-detached homes, and private houses with beautiful views, Zichron appeals to a diverse range of buyers. Different areas attract families, retirees, and investors alike, with each neighborhood offering its own sense of community, schools, accessibility, scenery, and long-term value. Understanding these subtle differences is a key part of helping clients find the right fit and truly connect with the area they choose to call home.
Q: What is the most memorable transaction you’ve handled, and why?
A: Honestly, it’s very hard for me to choose just one transaction because every client and every experience is so unique. I feel that I’ve grown personally and professionally from each transaction I’ve been part of.
One that really stayed with me was helping a family of six make aliyah and find their first home in Zichron Yaakov. At the beginning, the search was very practical: budgets, neighborhoods, renovation potential, schools, commuting and logistics. But over time, it became much more emotional. They realized they weren’t just choosing a house, they were choosing where they wanted to build their life as a family in Israel.
They ultimately chose an older home with character and renovation potential because they connected deeply to the neighborhood and could truly picture their future there. Watching them go from feeling overwhelmed and uncertain to genuinely excited and at home was incredibly meaningful to me.
Moments like that remind me that this work is about so much more than real estate. It’s about helping people find a sense of belonging.
Q: What tips do you have for first-time homebuyers?
A: Spend time getting to know the neighborhoods themselves, not just the homes. In Zichron Yaakov, each area has its own personality, atmosphere, and pace of life, and that connection often becomes just as important as the property itself.
I always encourage buyers to walk the streets, visit at different times of day, talk to the people, and try to picture their day-to-day life there. Many times, buyers end up choosing a home because of how the neighborhood made them feel.
I also advise clients to come informed and prepared, because in real estate, things can move quickly when the right opportunity presents itself.
Q: What do you love most about working at your office?
A: What I love most about working at Daon Group – Katzman Team in Zichron Yaakov is that we truly believe in being part of the community, not just working in it. We host events out of our office, build real relationships, and make an effort to understand the needs of the people around us and give back whenever we can.
Our office is also made up of agents from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and professional experiences beyond real estate. That diversity allows us to connect with clients in a very personal way and support them through much more than just the transaction itself.
We work closely together as a team to make sure our clients feel supported throughout every stage of purchasing, selling, and relocating. The combination of teamwork, professionalism, and community connection is what makes working in our office so meaningful to me.
Q: Can you share a fun fact or an interesting story about yourself that clients might not know?
A: Before real estate, I worked as an occupational therapist. That background still shapes how I view homes and spaces today. I naturally think about functionality, accessibility, flow, and how a family will actually live in a home over time. It often helps clients see renovation potential or layout possibilities they may not have considered on their own.
Q: What are the current real estate trends in your primary neighborhoods?
A: In Zichron Yaakov, we continue to see strong demand from both Israelis and international buyers looking for a strong sense of community, quality of life, greenery, access to beaches and space. Many buyers are leaving larger cities in search of a more grounded lifestyle while still wanting access to a variety of schools and major employment hubs.
Homes with outdoor space, views, privacy, flexible living areas, and renovation potential are especially desirable right now. Well-located properties in areas like HaMoshava, Neve HaBaron, and near the Midrachov continue to be highly sought after, particularly homes with character, walkability and the kind of long-term lifestyle appeal that continues to hold strong value over time.
Q: How do property prices in your area compare to other nearby cities?
A: Zichron Yaakov offers a very unique balance compared to many central cities in Israel. Buyers here are often able to get more space and land for their investment while still remaining relatively connected to major cities and employment hubs.
At the same time, demand in Zichron continues to remain strong and inventory relatively limited, especially in the most desirable neighborhoods. That combination has helped support steady long-term value growth and keeps Zichron one of the more sought-after markets in the area.
Q: What amenities does your city or neighborhood offer that make it attractive to potential buyers?
A: Zichron Yaakov offers a unique balance that is rare to find elsewhere in Israel. It combines a strong sense of community and quality of life with beautiful surroundings, a variety of schools, local culture, and easy access to both nature and major cities.
People are drawn to the open green spaces, wineries, cafés, beaches nearby, walking culture, and the feeling of living in a town that is both active and peaceful at the same time. There is a warmth and character to Zichron that makes people feel connected very quickly.
For many buyers, especially families and internationals, it offers the opportunity to slow down a bit without feeling disconnected. That lifestyle is a big part of why demand here continues to grow.
Q: Can you describe the local culture and community vibe in the neighborhoods you serve?
A: There is a very strong sense of community in Zichron Yaakov that makes it easy for people to feel at home very quickly. It is a town where people from many different cultural and religious backgrounds live side by side with a real sense of mutual respect and acceptance.
You have a mix of longtime residents, young families, internationals, and new olim, which makes it feel both welcoming and dynamic. Walking through town, especially around the Midrachov, you constantly run into familiar faces and there is a genuine feeling of connection. For many people, that feeling of belonging and community is one of the biggest reasons they choose to build their lives here long term.
Q: How do you see your area evolving in the next 5 to 10 years?
A: Zichron Yaakov is in a very interesting stage of growth and development. With a current population of approximately 25,000 and expectations for that number to potentially double over the next 5 to 10 years, we are already seeing increased investment in both residential and commercial development throughout the area.
Projects surrounding the Midrachov and its planned extension are especially exciting because they will create even more walkability, local businesses, cafés, and community-centered spaces while maintaining the charm and character that make Zichron so special. Areas like Givat Zamarin also have strong long-term potential, with plans focused on thoughtfully connecting Zichron’s history and atmosphere with more modern living.
I believe this continued development, together with limited land and strong demand, will create very positive long-term growth for the local real estate market.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about your city or neighborhood?
A: One of the biggest misconceptions about Zichron Yaakov is that it is too far from the center or too quiet. But once people spend time here, they realize how connected, active, and vibrant the town really is while still maintaining an incredible quality of life.
What makes Zichron special is the balance it offers. You can enjoy cafés, restaurants, wineries, and nightlife around the Midrachov, while also having beautiful hiking and biking trails, peaceful beach walks, and stunning sunrise and sunset views all within minutes. It feels calm and grounded without feeling disconnected.
Q: What’s your favorite local spot and why?
A: The Midrachov is definitely my favorite place in Zichron Yaakov. It really captures the energy, charm, and sense of community that make the town so special. Since our office is located there, I get to experience it every day and see how naturally people connect with one another.
What I love most is the mix of history, local cafés, restaurants, small businesses, and people from all over the world enjoying the town together. You’ll often walk through and come across live music, weddings, bar and bat mitzvah celebrations, and local simchas happening right in the street, where everyone around naturally joins in and feels part of the celebration. It really feels like the heart of Zichron and a place where people genuinely feel connected and at home.
Contact Yael at yael@daonrealestate.com or +972-58-678-9235
