Karpe is the oldest name in local real estate in Bakersfield. Elmer F. Karpe started in real estate in 1926. He began building homes in the 1920’s. In 1949 he built his first office building. Following in his father’s footsteps, Bob Karpe continued the tradition as the company flourished under his leadership. He incorporated Elmer F. Karpe, Inc. in 1959 and served as president until mid-1971, when Governor Ronald Reagan appointed Bob Karpe as Real Estate Commissioner for the State of California. When Mr. Reagan was elected President, he wanted Bob to continue his service and named him President of the Government National Mortgage Assoc. (G.N.M.A.) in Washington D.C. Today the company is involved in many aspects of real estate including residential sales, commercial, industrial and investment sales, residential development, new home construction services, property management, real estate services, conventional and private money (hard money)real estate loans, and appraisal services.