About Us, Empire Realty Associates | Danville, Walnut Creek Real Estate

About Empire | Empire's Blog

Empire Realty Associates is a boutique real estate brokerage founded in 2002 by 23 agents and Chairman of the Board Judi Keenholtz, based on the belief that the client is best served by a local company with deep roots in the community.

Learn more about the areas we serve in the San Francisco, East Bay, CA.

Many of the founding partners have worked in local real estate for 20 years. Empire Realty has since grown to nearly 100 associates who work from two beautiful offices in Danville and Walnut Creek.

Affiliations & Networks:

Empire Realty is a founding member of the Artisan Group comprised of the top local brokerages from Napa to Tahoe to the Bay Area.
Empire Realty’s membership in the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio International further positions the company as an industry authority on real estate.
In addition, Empire Realty Associates Luxury Home Team consists of the best local real estate sales professionals with over 300 years of experience, who continue a tradition of providing exceptional service to the finest luxury home clientele in the Diablo Valley, Lamorinda, Walnut Creek and Tri-Valley communities.

What makes Empire Realty different is our culture, meaning “our approach to business.” We share the knowledge and resources to put our clients’ needs at the center of each transaction.

Executive Team
Empire Realty’s executive team and talented staff create a thriving, energetic environment to support the goals of our partners and associates.

PRESIDENT | Hank Perry
Hank's specialty is increasing productivity for agents and providing the best possible experience for their clients through the use of cutting-edge real estate technologies. Hank has been at every level of the real estate sales process - from top production as an agent to recruiting and management of 20 offices as a real estate broker.
CHAIRPERSON | Judi Keenholtz
Judi is known for her fiery ambition, natural leadership, and the ability to create win-win situations in negotiations. Judi leads through collaboration, consensus, cultivating ideas, and promoting accomplishment-focus among agents and staff. She founded Empire Realty in 2002 with 23 agent partners, and has grown the company to two locations and 100 agents.

Board of Directors
Membership on the Board of Directors for Empire Realty is an honor and a responsibility. Board members must be partners in the company and are voted into their term by the agent-partners of Empire. A board member completes a 1-year tenure, during which time he or she guides the policies and initiatives of the company.

2010/2011 Board Members

Judi Keenholtz, Chairperson
Bryan Hurlbut
Mary Robbins
Raelene Sprague
Dana Weiler

RELOCATION DIRECTOR | Sara Dillion-Ardell

Sara Dillion Ardell brings over 20 years experience in the corporate relocation arena to Empire. Her attention to details is unsurpassed in the industry. In addition, Sara has an extensive network and access to many different relocation channels to help corporations with group moves as well as individual clients. Contact Sara | Relocation Information

OPERATIONS TEAM

Corporate and Operations Manager | Michelle Lee - DRE licensed

Walnut Creek Office Manager | Diane Huie - DRE licensed

Controller | Karen Marano

MARKETING TEAM

Marketing Manager | Lisha Fabris

Creative Director | Coleen Van Meter

TRANSACTION LIAISON & BROKER REVIEW
TLC/Sales Assistant | Karma Allen - DRE licenses

TLC/Sales Coordinator | Dawn Hembree – DRE licensed

TLC/Sales Coordinator | Jessah Dunn – DRE licensed

Listing/Sales Coordinator | Kendra Spencer – DRE licensed

One-Stop Mortgage Services

Empire Realty’s in-house mortgage bank supports our clients and provides some of the best rates and lending options available, customized for any financial situation. Our banking relationships allow us to meet contractual obligations on escrows as quickly as 21 days and keep clients informed throughout the entire process. To provide these services, Empire Realty partners with RPM Mortgage, based in Walnut Creek, CA.

RPM knows what it takes to be a successful leading mortgage bank and broker, and they passionately and consistently provide superior service. In addition to their strong commitment to the communities they serve, RPM delivers detailed communication throughout all phases of the mortgage process, creating exceptionally satisfied customers.

An independently owned and family-operated mortgage company, RPM has been serving customers since 1985, and their network has grown to over 35 offices in California, Nevada, and Texas.