Los Gatos' Von Kaenel Real Estate Merges With KW International

Los Gatos' Von Kaenel Real Estate has merged with Keller Williams International to continue to grow the 12-year-old business more effectively and better serve its clients, its principal owner said this week.

The merger, which took place Jan. 7, occurred after Von Kaenel Real Estate's success was recognized by a Southern California division of Keller Williams, said Mark Von Kaenel, 44, who had served as president and managing broker of his firm since 2000. 

The father of two has retained operational control over his company and has the largest share of ownership within his local real estate group.

"Simply put, it was an incredible opportunity that I could not pass up," Von Kaenel wrote in an email about the merger to his friends and clients.

"Not only have I maintained majority ownership and operational control, I now have the means to get back to my roots and passion of servicing my clients."

The merger took place after a year of negotiations, all transactions coming together during the holidays, Von Kaenel said. The result: Keller Williams Los Gatos Estates.

Von Kaenel Real Estate had two locations at 3190 So. Bascom Ave., suite 200, in San Jose; and 262 E. Main St. in Los Gatos.

It will still operate as a prestigious property management firm out of the South Bascom Avenue location in San Jose.

All real estate services will fall under the new KW Realty, out of the East Main Street location, in addition to its newest office at 16185 Los Gatos Blvd., above Yoga Source.

The longtime Los Gatos resident has worked hard to build one of the most successful, independent real estate firms in Silicon Valley. During the past few years, he had been approached by multiple sources to either merge or sell, he said.

After a year of researching KW Realty, Von Kaenel said he found that KW International's systems for consumers and agents were second to none.

"Consumers benefit from innovative technology and a network that reaches around the globe. Agents are involved with leadership, ownership and profit sharing. There is nothing that compares in our industry. Period," Von Kaenel said.