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Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Real Estate Partner in Bakersfield, CA
Established in 1926, Karpe Real Estate Center stands as the oldest family-owned real estate company in Kern County, California. Our legacy of excellence spans nearly a century, rooted in the foundational work of Elmer F. Karpe, who began his career with a rented desk and grew the business into a regional leader. We specialize in residential and commercial real estate sales, property management, private money lending, and appraisal services, serving clients across California with a particular focus on Bakersfield, Kern County, and the Central Valley. Our team combines deep local expertise with a commitment to innovation, offering tailored solutions for buyers, sellers, investors, and property owners. As a direct private money lender since 1926, we provide flexible financing options including hard money loans for diverse property types.

Our property management division handles day-to-day operations, vendor management, and tenant screening, alleviating stress for property owners. With a heritage of leadership in the real estate profession, we maintain CalBRE and NMLS licenses, ensuring compliance with the highest industry standards. Our leadership team, including President Tom Teagarden and Vice President Scott Berry, continues to uphold the values of integrity and diligence established by the Karpe family. We serve as trusted advisors in real estate transactions, leveraging decades of experience to deliver exceptional service. This tradition of excellence remains our guiding principle as we adapt to evolving market demands while maintaining our core commitment to professional and honest service.
Services
Residential Sales Property Management Private Money Loans Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Services
Details
  • Year established: 1926
Highlights and features
  • We offer over 95 years of combined real estate experience in Kern County.
  • Our services include private money lending unavailable at traditional banks.
  • We specialize in property management for both residential and commercial clients.
  • Our team holds active CalBRE and NMLS licensing for regulatory compliance.
  • We provide tailored solutions for local real estate markets in Central California.
Services
Residential Sales
Our residential sales division connects buyers and sellers through expert market analysis and personalized service. Agents provide accurate property valuations, targeted marketing strategies, and negotiation expertise. We specialize in single-family homes, multi-family units, and new construction throughout Central California.
Property Management
Comprehensive property management handles day-to-day operations for residential and commercial properties. Services include tenant screening, maintenance coordination, financial reporting, and vendor management. Our local expertise ensures optimal property performance and owner satisfaction in Kern County markets.
Private Money Loans
Direct private money lending provides alternative financing solutions for real estate investors. We offer first trust deeds secured by various property types including residential, commercial, and agricultural real estate. Loan programs cater to purchase, refinance, and rehab projects across California.
Commercial Real Estate
Specialized commercial real estate services address business property transactions. Our experts handle industrial, retail, and office space sales with market-specific knowledge. We provide valuation analysis, lease negotiations, and investment strategy guidance for commercial clients.
Appraisal Services
Professional appraisal services deliver accurate property valuations for residential and commercial properties. Certified appraisers use advanced methodologies to determine market value for transactions, refinancing, or investment analysis in Kern County and surrounding areas.
People
Elmer F. Karpe
Founder
Founded the company in 1926 and established its reputation for integrity. Served as Honorary President of the California Association of Realtors and Realtor Emeritus by the National Association of Realtors.
Bob Karpe
Former President
Expanded the business after World War II and incorporated the company in 1959. Appointed California Real Estate Commissioner by Governor Ronald Reagan and later led G.N.M.A. in Washington D.C.
Tom Teagarden
President
Current president with decades of real estate experience. Oversees operations and maintains the company's leadership position in Kern County's real estate market since joining the firm.
Scott Berry
Vice President
Licensed real estate professional and NMLS-certified mortgage expert. Manages private money investment programs and loan servicing operations with specialized knowledge of California real estate finance.
Questions
What real estate services do you offer?
We provide residential and commercial sales, property management, private money loans, and appraisal services throughout California.
Do you specialize in any particular market areas?
Our primary focus is Bakersfield, Kern County, and the Central Valley regions of California.
Are private money loans available for investors?
Yes, we offer hard money lending solutions for real estate investors since 1926 as a direct lender.
How can property owners benefit from your management services?
Our property management handles tenant screening, maintenance, and financial reporting to reduce owner responsibilities.
What makes your company different from other realtors?
We combine 95+ years of local experience with comprehensive services and family-owned personalized attention.