About Empire
Empire Realty Associates is a local 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 small brokerage with deep roots in the community.
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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, one in Danville and one in downtown Walnut Creek. 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 Residence International further positions the company as an industry authority on luxury real estate. In addition, Empire Realty Associates Luxury Home Marketing Team consists of 30 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, Lamorinda, 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. Empire Realty’s executive team and talented staff create a thriving,
energetic environment to support the goals of our partners and associates.
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 ’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. Active Rain Blog | Linked-In Profile
- VICE PRESIDENT & WALNUT CREEK MANAGER | Bob O’Grady, a local real estate
veteran with over 20 years’ experience, has demonstrated his leadership in negotiation and contract issues, working with the risk management team, and sharing his knowledge and experience in business development with agents and management. O’Grady has earned the GRI and CRS designations, closed hundreds of transactions, and served on the Contra Costa Association of Realtors’ Grievance and Mediation committees. Linked-In Profile
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.
2008/2009 Board Members
- Judi Keenholtz, Chariman of the Board
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. - Dana and Paul Weiler
- Raelene Sprague
- Cindy Aiken
- Mary Robbins
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 addtion, 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 today!
OPERATIONS TEAM
Corporate and Operations Manager | Michelle Lee
Controller | Karen Marano
MARKETING TEAM
Marketing Manager | Katie Lance
Marketing Coordinator | Audrie Nguyen
Marketing Assistant | Erin Yee
TRANSACTION LIAISON & BROKER REVIEW
Transaction Coordinator | Tracey Casella - DRE licensed
TLC/Sales Coordinator | Dawn Hembree - DRE licensed
Listing/Sales Coordinator | Kendra Spencer – DRE licensed
TLC/Sales Assistant - Karma Allen
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 14 days and keep clients informed throughout the entire process. To provide these services, Empire Realty partners with Residential Pacific Mortgage, based in Alamo, 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 20 offices throughout Northern California, Arizona, and Nevada.
Marjo Shaffer
Loan Agent
(925) 831-1855
marjo@rpm-mtg.com
www.RPM-Mortgage.com/Marjo
Michael DiMaggio
Senior Consultant
(925) 552-3891
mdimaggio@rpm-mortgage.com
www.rpm-mtg.com/mdimaggio
Click here for more information about the area. | Empire Realty in the News! | Empire Realty Associates Luxury Home Marketing Team | Artisan Group | Leading Real Estate Companies of the World | Residence International
380 Diablo Road | Danville, California 94526 | 925.217.5000
1261 Locust
Street | Walnut Creek, California 94596 | 925.465.2000
Equal Housing Opportunity
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