Keller Williams Tri-Valley Realty Celebrates Grand Re-Opening

By Nicole Zaro Stahl, Hacienda Network Staff Writer

Company Doubles Size to Accommodate 200 Agents Working in "Very Healthy" Residential Real Estate Market

The residential real estate market throughout the Tri-Valley is "very healthy," reports Andrew Greenwell, Team Leader/CEO at Keller Williams Tri-Valley Realty at 5994 W. Las Positas Boulevard. The purchasing environment may have changed, but the region's inherent value is evident in the many attributes that give it such an enviable quality of life-schools that are second to none, a very low crime rate, good weather and numerous amenities, plus the affordability factor, he points out.

Acknowledging these strengths, Keller Williams Tri-Valley recently put the finishing touches on an eight-month remodel and expansion that more than doubled the size of its Hacienda office, going from 7,000 square feet to 16,000 square feet and now accommodating 200 agents.

"We are the number-one real estate company in the Tri-Valley in terms of volume and units sold," Greenwell continues. The firm is active in the wide swath from Fremont and Castro Valley to Walnut Creek and even Tracy. It generated over $400 million in sales in 2011.

Along with more space, the renovated Hacienda facility now offers an Internet cafe, private lead generation booths, and additional private offices. A separate Conference/Education Center, with seating for 150, provides the perfect setting for training, for example, updates on the firm's integrated software and paperless technology. It will also be available as meeting space for community groups.

"Our intention is to create as many resources as possible to promote energy and collaboration among our agents," Greenwell enthuses, likening the cafe to a town square where occupants bump into each other and mingle. Through a partnership with RPM Mortgage, three loan officers work on site, available to field impromptu questions from agents. "It's a value add, a way to inform themselves and their clients about changing markets."

The firm also operates a small satellite office downtown on Main Street. At 1,800 square feet, it has more of a boutique atmosphere, Greenwell says. Noting the advantage of having two different work environments, he comments, "Agents can go back and forth between the two offices, wherever they feel more comfortable. We all enjoy that."

Keller Williams Tri-Valley first opened its doors in 2003, in an office on Stoneridge Road. "We're powered by the second-largest real estate franchise operation in North America, but we're locally owned and locally led" - and growing, Greenwell points out. Last year the firm acquired Hometown Real Estate, adding the bench strength of 40 agents with many years of experience in the community.

Unlike most of the country, the challenge facing the Tri-Valley housing market today is a shortage of inventory. "It's a seller's market," Greenwell explains, and these days finalizing a transaction can be an emotional roller coaster. Every situation, just like every home, is unique and needs a different approach. "Our agents are aware that this is not a cookie-cutter process. You don't just stick a sign in the yard, sell the house, and close."

He concludes with a timely reminder: "No matter what state the economy is in, business will continue to be done. You just have to be sure you're the one doing it."

For more information, visit www.KWTriValley.com.

Photo: The Keller Williams Tri-Valley Realty brain trust in their expanded Hacienda offices.

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