Summary: Colleen is a 9th generation Californian, a graduate of Santa Clara University, and earned a Master’s degree from San Diego State University. Originally an educator, she transitioned into real estate when her children were small, drawn by the flexibility and earnings potential. After two years as an agent for a major franchise in the San Jose area, Colleen formed a boutique real estate firm, Valley Properties, with a (female) partner; the firm was an independent for about 15 years, then joined a national franchise. The firm grew to over 100 agents. After about another 15 years, the company became an independent again and rebranded as Altera Real Estate. Altera RE soon developed a franchise model, grew to about 10 franchisees, and had a short term partnership with Harcourts RE of Australia and New Zealand, thus exploring all models: independent, franchisee, and franchisor. Colleen and her husband/business partner, Dennis, merged Altera RE into Legacy RE and Assoc. in 2012. The Legacy RE and Associates currently has offices in Alameda and Santa Clara County. Colleen has served as President of the Santa Clara Co. AOR, as Treasurer and President of the California AOR, a 2016 Regional Vice-President of NAR and Chair of its Strategic Thinking and Advisory Committee (2015) and will be the 2018 VP of Association Affairs for NAR. She has served on numerous committees at all levels. Additionally she served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce.
