By: Matt Emma

Kathy Keene is a Virginia real estate professional serving clients across Hampton Roads, from the Virginia Beach coastline through Williamsburg and up to Richmond. With over 20 years in the industry, she has built her career on straightforward values: honest communication, local expertise, and a genuine commitment to the people she works with that has guided her professional approach over time.

From Small Business Roots to Real Estate Leadership

Kathy started her real estate career in 2002 after earning a degree in Small Business Management. Over the years, she has worked across resale homes, new construction, and brokerage leadership in multiple markets. She has held positions as Managing Broker, Owner and Principal Broker, and Associate Broker with local and nationally recognized firms. For 12 years, she owned and operated her own boutique real estate firm, has led and trained teams, and has navigated market shifts while remaining grounded in her values and experience.

“I’ve made intentional choices about where and how I work, always prioritizing integrity, balance, and service over scale or status,” Kathy explained.

A Different Approach to Real Estate

What sets Kathy apart is her focus on connection over transactions. In 2025, she donated $15,250 to Paint Pink Inc., a nonprofit founded by her late sister to support local cancer fighters. This initiative, called Real Estate with Purpose, turns every one of Kathy’s closings into an opportunity intended to help support individuals and families in need.

“For me, real estate is not just about buying or selling homes,” she said. “It’s about leading with integrity, serving my community, and creating lasting impact where possible through the work I do every day.”

Kathy serves on the Board of Paint Pink Inc. and donates a portion of her commissions to support the organization’s mission. This approach is less commonly associated with traditional real estate models, and it reflects her belief that business can be both successful and meaningful.

Solving Real Problems for Real Clients

Clients can feel overwhelmed by major financial decisions. Sellers often struggle to know which improvements actually deliver a return, while buyers have difficulty seeing a home’s potential or understanding how to stay within their means.

“I stay on top of market trends, technology, and buyer behavior, but I always tie them back to traditional, tried and true real estate fundamentals that are intended to help support and safeguard my clients’ investments,” Kathy said.

Her experienced eye helps sellers focus on updates that are more likely to provide a strong return on investment, while avoiding unnecessary costs. For buyers, she helps them visualize practical changes that may help build equity without stretching their budget. Trust and transparency remain at the foundation of everything she does.

A New Chapter with CHJ Realty

Kathy recently joined Charlotte Jones at CHJ Realty, a boutique brokerage focused on elevated service, strong community partnerships, and local leadership. The firm is independent by design, which allows for a more personalized client experience while remaining connected to modern marketing, technology, and market intelligence.

This partnership is expanding her presence in Williamsburg and the surrounding markets. It also reflects her commitment to working with people who share her values and her mission.

Building a Legacy Beyond Real Estate

Throughout her career, Kathy has earned certifications as a New Homes Sales Representative and a Military Relocation Specialist. She is a member of the Hampton Roads Realtors Association, the Williamsburg Area Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. She is also a former Forbes Real Estate Council member and currently a Circle of Excellence recipient.

But when asked about her biggest achievement, Kathy points to something more personal.

“My biggest achievement has been building a real estate career rooted in integrity, resilience, and purpose,” she said. “One that I’m proud of my daughter to see and learn from.”

Now based in Williamsburg, Kathy balances her real estate work with family life, community involvement, and a love for coastal living. She continues to serve clients with a consistent focus on honesty, strategy, and a genuine investment in their longer-term goals and outcomes.

You can find more details about Kathy Keene at: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and https://chjrealty.net/.