HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA

Empire Homes

Real Estate Brokerage

Helping Hampton Roads homeowners prepare, market, and sell with confidence — and guiding buyers to the right home at the right price.

HOW WE HELP

Real Estate, Done Right.

Buy a Home

Buy a Home

Expert guidance from search to closing.

  • Buyer representation
  • Market analysis
  • Negotiation strategy
  • Investment properties
Sell Your Home

Sell Your Home

Strategic marketing that puts your home in front of the right buyers.

  • Pricing strategy
  • Professional photography
  • Targeted marketing
  • Skilled negotiation
Prepare to Sell

Prepare to Sell

Know exactly what to address before you list — and what to skip.

  • Pre-listing walkthrough
  • Repair recommendations
  • Trusted vendor referrals
  • Market-ready guidance
Maximize Your Value

Maximize Your Value

Strategic improvements that move the needle — without over-spending.

  • ROI-focused updates
  • Trusted trade referrals
  • Buyer-preference insight
  • Move-in ready results

THE EMPIRE HOMES DIFFERENCE

More Than a Transaction. A Trusted Advisor.

Most agents show up for the listing and disappear after closing. Tara stays. Her background in residential construction means she can walk a home and tell you exactly what buyers will notice, what's worth addressing, and what to leave alone — so you make smarter decisions at every step.

Licensed Real Estate Broker
Deep Construction Knowledge
Hampton Roads Local

HOW IT WORKS

A Smarter Way to Sell Your Home.

Consultation

Tara walks through your home, understands your timeline, and builds a personalized plan to position it well in the current market.

Prepare

We identify exactly what to address before listing — and connect you with trusted vendors to get it done right, without over-spending.

List

Professional photography, strategic pricing, and targeted marketing put your home in front of the right buyers.

Sell

Tara negotiates on your behalf to close at the best possible price — with clear communication every step of the way.

Tara Helmick — Founder, Empire Homes

MEET TARA HELMICK

Real Estate Expertise. A Builder's Eye.

Tara Marie Helmick is the founder of Empire Homes, a Hampton Roads real estate brokerage built on the belief that homeowners deserve honest guidance — not just a transaction.

With years of experience in residential construction before becoming a licensed real estate broker, Tara brings a perspective most agents simply don't have. She can walk a home and tell you exactly what buyers will notice, what's worth addressing before you list, and where your money is best spent.

Built on integrity, resilience, and a genuine passion for serving others, Empire Homes was created to give Hampton Roads homeowners a better experience — from the first conversation to long after closing day.

Licensed Real Estate Broker
Residential Construction Background
Local Market Knowledge
Hampton Roads Native
Happy clients with Tara
Clients at their completed home
Clients in their renovated kitchen
Tara with clients in their new kitchen
Empire Homes at a community event
Tara and client at Floor & Decor picking tile
Empire Homes team at a home show
Tara with a happy client at their home
New homeowners in front of their house
Tara and clients shopping at Floor & Decor
Empire Homes team at the office

MORE THAN AN AGENT

You Gain a Trusted Advisor for Life When You Work With Empire Homes.

Tara doesn't disappear after closing. She stays connected, answers questions long after the paperwork is signed, and gives you honest guidance — even when it's not what you were hoping to hear.

Clients who call us back for every home decision

Honest advice, even when it costs us the deal

A relationship that lasts long after closing day

CLIENT STORIES

What Our Clients Say

"Had a deal fall through with someone else and immediately Tara came to mind. She got right to work and didn't hesitate to give me sound advice. End result was striking a deal on a house sitting vacant for months. I will be recommending Tara to all who read this — she does great work!"

Dakota Z.

Chesapeake, VA

"I can't thank Tara & Empire enough — if it wasn't for them I wouldn't have landed my dream home that was a major renovation project. I love the transparency and honesty they bring to the table. If you have to make a choice, choose Empire — they won't steer you wrong."

Kate

Chesapeake, VA

"Another contractor told us we'd need to replace valves, break through drywall, and do major repairs. When Empire arrived, they took the time to carefully evaluate the situation — and it wasn't a valve issue at all. They offered a much simpler solution, saving us time, money, and a big mess. Their honesty and integrity were a breath of fresh air. It's rare to find a company that puts the customer first like this."

Mia Copeland

Smithfield, VA

"Within 2 weeks of buying our new home we had a water leak. Tara came out the same day to assess, and Gary and Brian were there the next morning to fix it — without cutting through drywall. They walked us through the entire issue. Tara also provided a quote for a full bathroom remodel and we can't wait to get started! Incredibly professional, timely, and communicative."

Amber D.

Yorktown, VA

"This was my first major renovation — my master bathroom needed a complete overhaul. Tara walked me through every decision and even accompanied me to Floor & Decor to pick out tile and flooring. Tiffany, her project manager, kept me informed from start to finish. I've heard so many horror stories about contractors, but Tara and her team are definitely a notch above the rest. I absolutely love my bathroom!"

Jennifer J.

Newport News, VA

"Empire Builder has done several projects at my new home and I've been pleased with the finished products every time. As someone who works in the construction industry, my expectations are sometimes higher than the average person — but they have always come through. I highly recommend this company."

Leann

Newport News, VA

"I highly recommend Empire Builder for any renovations or construction projects. Tara's crew is very professional and easy to work with. Every day Tara would call to let me know the plans for the day and to see if I needed anything. I've dealt with other contractors but none as efficient as Empire Builder."

Harry Davis

Williamsburg, VA

"Tara and her crew do exceptional work. I've used her twice now and have not been disappointed. She is personable, her prices are fair, and her crew completes their work as scheduled. Being in sales myself, I know the biggest compliment you can give someone is to refer them to friends and family — which I've done without hesitation."

Paul L.

Hampton, VA

"Tara secured a full-price offer within just one day on the market and skillfully negotiated favorable closing terms on my behalf. The entire process was seamless and stress-free. She even coordinated and personally drove my U-Haul to Florida while seven months pregnant. I will forever be grateful for how she came to the rescue. She took her assignment to the next level."

Eleonora P.

Newport News, VA

"Tara is the most down to earth and positive person — she works hard, is quick to get things done, and is honest with any questions you have. We just bought our first home and we are in love with it! She will be our first call when we want to add an addition and whenever we want to purchase our next home. She truly is a wonderful person!"

Shelby R.

Hampton, VA

"1000% recommend Tara! You will not regret working with this agent — she can help with any question and definitely understood what we were looking for. Very knowledgeable and resourceful too."

Kenny A.

Newport News, VA

"Tara and her team did an amazing job helping me sell and buy my new home! Her team jumped on my minor repairs to sell my home at the best price. I look forward to having them remodel my new home soon. Thank you Tara!"

Robert K.

Williamsburg, VA

"Tara was the best agent I could ask for in buying my first house. She was honest and friendly, answered every question I had, and ensured I got what I wanted at a decent price. Buying a new house for the first time was very intimidating, but she made the whole experience bearable — and even fun sometimes. I highly recommend her to everyone in the market."

Larkin

Newport News, VA

"I am so grateful to Tara. She made the home selling and buying process easy — she sold my home on the first day. She listened to my wants and needs and found me the perfect house. I highly recommend Tara."

Michelle P.

Newport News, VA

"Tara was an amazing realtor to work with. From our first meeting to closing, she was always available, knowledgeable, and professional. Highly recommend her!"

Abbott Family

Hampton, VA

"Tara made the process of buying a home a complete breeze. She was extremely helpful with anything we needed and answered every question in a timely manner. She was a breath of fresh air during the whole process."

Misty R.

Gloucester, VA

FREE CONSULTATION

Ready to Make Your Move?

Whether you're buying, selling, or just figuring out your next step — schedule a free conversation with Tara.

No obligation, no pressure
Expert guidance from day one
One company for your entire home journey