I was talking to Empire Realty Broker Associate Julie Dudum the other day about Downtown Walnut Creek. Julie is an experienced real estate professional who lives in Downtown Walnut Creek and has a great sense of the community and why it is such a great place to call home!
Q: Julie, tell me about Downtown Walnut Creek and the homes in that area. Why are they different?
A: Each home in Downtown Walnut Creek is different and cuter than the next - they are truly the gems of Walnut Creek. Most homes downtown were built in the 1920s or 1930s and exude so much charm and character. Each home evokes a feeling! There is a tremendous amount of pride among homeowners in downtown. Many are original owners! Typically when a new family moves into the neighborhood, they are greeted with warmth and a very welcoming feeling, characteristic of yesteryear. My clients love the convenience of being so close to downtown as well.
Q: For children, what school districts are kids a part of downtown?
A: For elementary and middle school they are in the Walnut Creek School District and for high school they are in the Acalanes School District
Q: You live downtown, correct? Tell me about that and the unique home you are in.
Q: Yes, I live downtown in the Almond Shuey District and absolutely love it. In my neighborhood there are families, retired couples, executives, original homeowners, and more. The home we live in was the mayor's home in the 1930s, so it has a ton of historic and sentimental meaning to my family and to the city of Walnut Creek.
Q: What do you love most about this neighborhood?
A: I love the historic feeling that this neighborhood has. No two homes are the same! I love the close-knit community that is felt downtown. In fact, every year in August there is an Almond Shuey block party and is something we look forward to every year. it's a great opportunity to catch up with friends and neighbors.
Thank you Julie! Do you have a special community you'd like to tell us about in the East Bay? Drop us a line or leave us a comment here!
Posted by Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Empire Realty Associates
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Featured Alamo, CA Community ~ Bryan Ranch and Whitegate
I recently chatted with Empire Realty Associates Partners & Broker Associates Dana and Paul Weiler about the beautiful neighborhoods of Whitegate and Bryan Ranch in Alamo. This is what they had to say:
Q: Tell me about this area. Where in Alamo is it located, and what types of homes are there?
A: These communities are located on the eastern end of Stone Valley Road, at the foothills of Mt. Diablo. There are four different ‘neighborhoods' and they include all single family situated on private lots, many with outstanding views of the mountain, valleys and pastureland. The homes located in Bryan Terrace are situated on small lots, easy to maintain and all with fabulous, private lots and great views. All of the other neighborhoods have homes located on spacious lots, backing to open spaces. Many homes are single level, some are two story and all are very well maintained. There are several lots that can accommodate horses and if desired, chickens, goats and sheep! There is also an exclusive private street with seven lots featuring properties from 5 to 21 acres, breathtaking estate homes and amazing properties with stunning views!
Amazing Mt. Diablo Views!
Q: How would you describe this neighborhood?
A: Homes are surrounded by acres and acres of open space, quiet streets, sidewalks, very little turnover with families settling in to raise their children and enjoy their grandchildren. Located nearby to 12 years of top rated schools, great parks and hiking trails.
Q: What is the best thing about it?
A: The privacy and peace is outstanding! You can watch eagles and hawks soar; see cows grazing on the hills and enjoy gorgeous sunsets! Within minutes to both Alamo and Danville, yet in the country, adjacent to Mt. Diablo State Park! Large yards and gorgeous trees!
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: The homes are custom designed and many have been remodeled and updated over the years. School buses transport children to their elementary school, Oak Hill Park is nearby featuring summer concerts, picnic areas and a beautiful community center.
Do you have a special community you'd like to tell us about in the East Bay? Drop us a line or leave us a comment here!
Posted by Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Empire Realty Associates Follow Empire on Facebook
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Press Release | 10-26-09
EMPIRE REALTORS SANDI MITCHELL AND BRIAN WILLINGHAM FORM NEW PARTNERSHIP IN LAMORINDA AREA
WALNUT CREEK - Empire Realty Associates Realtor Brian Willingham and Empire Realty Associates Partner Sandi Mitchell, are proud to announce that they have partnered to bring their real estate sales experience to the Lamorinda market. Combined, Sandi and Brian have over 30 years of local real estate knowledge and expertise.
Sandi is the current President of the Lafayette Rotary Club & Board member of the Lafayette Chamber. Sandi has made her home in Lafayette & conducted her real estate business there since 1981.
"With such deep roots and knowledge of the area, we are excited to offer Lamorinda homeowners the benefit of this new relationship. Also, I am thrilled to have this young man working with me to marry my ‘years of experience' and combining his ‘new generation' of talents which I believe provides a strong team covering a broad spectrum of talents!" said Sandi Mitchell.
Brian is a resident of Orinda and has been in real estate for six years. Brian says, "I am excited about the opportunity to partner with Sandi and most importantly, excited to offer Lamorinda homeowners the benefits of this new relationship."
Brian and Sandi both realize that this ever changing real estate market requires a proactive and an innovative approach to serve their past, present and future clients. By partnering together, they will be able to provide topnotch, professional real estate services to the diverse residents of Lamorinda.
For more information please contact Sandi at 925.451.8308 or Brian at 925.366.3276 or visit them at www.sandimitchell.com
Posted by Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Empire Realty Associates
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Hidden Valley is a truly unique neighborhood nestled within the town of Danville!
Secluded within a hidden valley and surrounded by hundreds of acres of open space, homes are nestled among picturesque foothills covered with ancient live oaks and fields of clustering wildflowers.
Recently I spoke with Empire Realty Partner Sue Rubin about Hidden Valley who has been working with buyers and sellers within Hidden Valley for over 20 years!
Q: Tell me about Hidden Valley - why do you think it is such a special place?
A: Hidden Valley is a beautiful community that is truly tucked away from it all and surrounded by acres of hills, open space, oak trees, wild turkeys and farm animals. It feels like country living, yet is minutes from transportation, schools, parks, Mount Diablo and town. The icing on the cake is that there is tremendous camaraderie amongst the neighbors; in times of need, one can always count on the neighbors to be there for one another
Q: Tell me about the 2 "collections" at Hidden Valley
A: There are 2 collections at Hidden Valley. The first is the class collection. The Classic Collection at Hidden Valley offers distinctive single family homes featuring unique courtyard entries. There are four floor plans in this collection. The size of these homes range from three bedrooms with over 2100SF to six bedrooms with over 3000SF. The second collection, the Summit Collection at Hidden Valley offers estate-sized homes. There are four floor plans in this collection. The size of these homes range from four and five bedroom floor plans with sizes ranging from approximately 3,072SF to approximately 3,800SF.
Q: What are some of the amenities that homeowners can enjoy at Hidden Valley?
A: Hidden Valley homeowners enjoy the use of the community's two tennis courts, pool and clubhouse, sport court, tot lot, and maintenance by the homeowners' association of all common areas including the hundreds of acres of open space.
Thank you Sue! We would love your comments and feedback - if you have a special community you'd like to tell us about please leave us a comment here!
Posted by Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Empire Realty Associates
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Press Release | 10.26.09
EMPIRE REALTY ASSOCIATES PARTICIPATES IN HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
DANVILLE and WALNUT CREEK - Empire Realty Associates teams up with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to gather donations for the Holiday Food Drive. Donations include canned and dried goods, peanut butter, fruit juice, and other non-perishable items. The Danville and Walnut Creek offices have two bins, one located in the main lobby of each office.
The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano was founded in 1975 and serves over 98,000 people every month. They distribute about 9.6 million pounds of food per year, which is enough for about 7.68 million meals. Their mission is, "to alleviate hunger and provide an efficient, coordinated system for collecting and distributing food that reduces food waste and increases public awareness regarding hunger and food security issues in Contra Costa and Solano counties."
Empire Realty Associates and the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano recognize the growing rate of families in need this holiday season. Empire has participated in the traditional food drive before and has always been committed to the greater good of the community.
They will have donation bins in the main lobby of Empire November 4th until December 18th and are open from Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 5pm.
For additional information on how Empire gives back to our community, click here: www.empirerealty.com/givingback
For more information, please contact the Marketing Manager, Katie Lance at (925) 217-5004 or at KLance@EmpireRA.com.
Posted by Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Empire Realty Associates
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We are the Empire Realty Associates Marketing Team! Marketing Manager Katie Lance, Marketing Coordinator Audrie Nguyen, Marketing Assitant Erin Yee, Listing and Sales Coordinator Kendra Spencer.
Empire Realty Associates is a local real estate company with deep roots in our community. Our offices in Danville and Walnut Creek are home to nearly 100 agents, many of whom have worked and lived in the Diablo and Tri-Valleys for over 20 years. Our team of talented and experienced agents are masters of our market and intimately involved in our communities.
Empire Realty is built on a unique shareholder business model. Over one-third of our agents are shareholders, distinguished as partners in the company. All agent associates are invited to participate in leadership roles and to impact the way we do business.
Leadership opportunities at Empire Realty include:
Because Empire Realty Associates was created by and is wholly owned by agents whose licenses are held at Empire Realty, it is a place of career empowerment. We are viewed by our industry as an innovative real estate model where people work together to benefit our clients and our communities.
Our offices specialize in the sales of fine homes throughout the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a luxury home in a fine neighborhood, or looking to get started in a place where you can enjoy the benefit of fine schools and a quality lifestyle, our real estate firm is equipped to handle your needs.
If you are a top sales associate and have reached the limits of your potential at your current firm, please call me for a confidential interview to learn how you might benefit from the type of support and staff which Empire Realty Associates offers its' sales team.
Executive Team
Empire Realty's executive team and talented staff create a thriving, energetic environment to support the goals of our partners and associates.
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 ProfileBoard 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
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, Office Manager (WC) | Tracey Casella - DRE licensed
TLC/Sales Coordinator | Dawn Hembree - DRE licensed
Listing/Sales Coordinator | Kendra Spencer - DRE licensed
TLC/Sales Assistant - Karma Allen
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