Lotz & Associates was started in 1961 when Jack Lotz and his business partners began buying, improving and selling real estate in the Hayward area. Over the years, as the need for property management grew, the company changed to focus on providing quality, fairly-priced housing for tenants in the area. Today, thousands of individuals and families trust Lotz & Associates to provide opportunities to improve their lives.
Lotz & Associates was established on January 27, 1961, by R.A. Mcorkindale, Jack Lotz & James Knowles when they created KLM Realty, Inc. so the three friends could sell real estate in the greater East Bay area (Hayward, Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, etc.). As partners they worked together for several years until James Knowles obtained his law degree and became an attorney and later when R. A. Mcorkindale, who was several years older than James and Jack, retired in the late 1960s. On July 19, 1989, the Corporation filed to do business as Lotz & Associates to reflect the owners, Jack & James, as the sole owners of the business.
Jack's son James Lotz, graduated from San Jose State College in 1968,and worked for Kaiser Steel for about two years and during that time worked to obtain his Real Estate Sales License and came into the business with his father in the spring of 1970. In November of 1973, James obtained his Real Estate Broker's License.
Jack and James worked together selling general real estate (residential & commercial) and also began acquiring and developing income property. Additionally, Jack and Jim brought in investors in the acquisition of a number of the properties acquired. They have also been involved in the development of two residential properties for sale in the Castro Valley area. They developed 18 units on Baker Road, four detached homes on Redwood Road and a 28 lot subdivision at the top of Center Street in which they sold lots and developed a few of the homes as well.
As the business acquired and developed the income properties they have also taken on the responsibility of managing the properties as well. It has been there philosophy to have as much control over said properties to protect themselves and their investors. They have a very conservative approach to the ownership of these investments and believe that their tenants are the key to making money (return on investment) from these properties. That it is important to be able to address all of the issues (expenses, etc.) when they may arise and have the funds available to do so and at the same time create a good return on their investment.
James Lotz, served on the Board of Directors of the Rental Housing Association of Alameda County for over 20 years and was the past President of said Association in 1989. He believes it is very important to keep aware of all the issues confronting the rental market and protect the interest of all of the owners of Rental property as well as the tenants.
In 2002, James son Joseph acquired his Real Estate License and joined his father and grandfather in the Real Estate business. He also studied and received his Real Estate Broker's license in 2005. Unfortunately, Jack Lotz, passed away in 2007, at the age of 91. Until his death he still came into the office and contributed where he could. He loved the business and working with his son and grandson..
The family owns several houses, 225 apartments and a 12,000 sq. ft. office building. The business also manages these properties as mentioned and also manages properties for other clients as well (houses, apartments and office buildings)
The family owned business is located 22320 Foothill Blvd. Suite 410, Hayward, California 94541, and has been there since 1990. It is a good central location for the operation of the business and allows us as well as our tenants access to each other. It is the intention of the business to continue to operate with our family traditions in place.