Managing partner Terry Meyer wants those who work for the company to not only have a passion for selling real estate, but a vision and desire to work with organizations that are making a difference in people's lives.

According to the company's philosophy, its guiding principles were formulated on trust, respect and integrity. This led the company's leadership to focus on looking beyond the business and on what they could do for the communities where its employees earn a living. Out of this thinking the Intero Foundation was created, with the basic philosophy of giving back to the community, Meyer said.

Bucking the traditional trend of donating to specific groups, the real estate company decided to start its own nonprofit organization so it could pick programs that matched its philosophy. The foundation will focus on organizations or projects that are locally based within each communities' office.

Intero elected a board of directors who will oversee the foundation's charitable decisions. They will review applications and evaluate requests.

So far, the foundation hasn't donated monetarily to any causes because it is still in the final stages of organizing what the exact donation process will entail and working out the legal aspects of creating a nonprofit. However, plans are under way to introduce the new foundation officially to the community on Sept. 17 at its headquarters, located on the bottom floor of its Cupertino office.

"It's sort of our coming-out party," Meyer said.

But before the new foundation is launched, Intero has planned a free car wash on Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of its Willow Glen office, 1567 Meridian Ave. It's Intero's way of spreading the word about the foundation. The company will also be handing out donation envelopes, which participants can fill out and mail to the company.

Audrey Seifert, a real estate agent at Intero's Willow Glen office, said she was drawn to the firm three years ago because she saw that her work wasn't just about "making money for the people upstairs."

Seifert is also in charge of setting up the car wash. She says she enjoys volunteering and appreciates the team atmosphere around the office.

"I didn't think I would find this job so rewarding, but it has been," she said. "It is nice to see first-time homebuyers secure their home."

Since 2002, Intero has expanded from one office in Morgan Hill to 12 offices that stretch from Gilroy to Danville, with more than 500 agents working for the company.

In a time when businesses are continuously folding, the local real estate market has held its own, Meyer said. And, because of the falling economy, he has seen many educated tech workers transition from the dot-com life to real estate sales.

Real estate aside, Meyer is excited about the potential of the foundation as well as the support employees are willing to devote to it. As part of the company's philosophy, it has asked agents to contribute a portion of their agent's commissions to the foundation's fund, and those employed with the company are receptive to the idea.

Just last week, one agent wrote a $500 check on the spot, part of his commission from a real estate sale.

"Every person here is involved in the foundation in some way," Meyer said.