Today we’d like to introduce you to Kajal Patel
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in London was an experience I treasured, it’s such a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and I always felt energized by the city’s vibrancy. I never quite gravitated toward the countryside; London’s diversity was where I thrived.
I managed my father’s real estate portfolio and businesses from a very young age, which fueled my interest in the industry. It came naturally to me, and I knew it was something I wanted to pursue long-term. However, life is full of twists, and while I followed some passion projects—like color analysis (working fashion houses like Versace) after moving to the U.S., it wasn’t until I got licensed in mortgages and real estate that my career truly came to fruition. That’s when I felt complete, like everything I’d done had led me to this moment.
My husband and I share a deep love for travel, that bond played a big role in shaping our life together. Although I had only visited the U.S. once before we married, my husband had strong family ties here, visiting frequently. In 2014, before our youngest turned one, we made a life-changing trip to the States, and my husband surprised me with our first getaway as a couple to Kauai. The lush landscape, calming ocean, and peaceful energy of the island left us both feeling at home. That’s when we decided it was time to move to the U.S. for good.
We began applying for visas, rented out our home in the UK, and visited the U.S. to find the perfect place to settle. My husband was incredibly supportive throughout the process, always wanting to make sure we found somewhere I loved. With every trip, we saw little signs that told us we were on the right path. California quickly became our top choice—it offered everything we wanted: the beach, the mountains, and the desert, all within a day’s drive.
Irvine, in particular, felt like home. We discovered it on a Disneyland trip and fell in love with the area. Although we initially moved to Studio City, Irvine became our final choice for raising our children. Now, we live happily here with our two beautiful children and our crazy Frenchie, just a short drive from the beach, LA, and San Diego.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it certainly hasn’t been without its challenges, but in a strange way, they didn’t really feel like challenges. We were exactly where we wanted to be, and that sense of purpose kept us grounded. Moving from the UK to the U.S. came with a culture shift, even though we speak the same language.
I had to learn the school system, how credit works, what escrow is, and even the heightened focus on politics here compared to back home.
Then, three years after we moved, the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a globally challenging time, sadly so many lives we lost. Suddenly, like so many other parents, I became a teacher, homeschooling my kids while also navigating the fact that we couldn’t travel, which was something we had always loved. Yet, despite those challenges, I am grateful for that time in a lot of ways. It gave me the space to focus on my career, study, and ultimately have some of my best years professionally. During that time, I helped many people save money. clear debts and move into new homes. In one year alone, I closed over 140 deals. It was a lot to handle, but it reminded me of how rewarding this work can be, especially in uncertain times.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m both a realtor and a lender, primarily serving Southern California, focusing on Orange County and parts of LA. What drives me every day is my commitment to adding value and working closely with my private clients. I’m passionate about helping people navigate significant life moments, whether that’s buying or selling a home, growing investments, or improving their financial situation. My core values—honesty, communication, care, trust, reliability, empathy, and loyalty—are at the heart of everything I do. These values guide my interactions and ensure that my clients feel supported and confident throughout the entire process.
One of the unique aspects of my business is that I’m able to offer both real estate and lending services. It’s not common for a realtor to also be a licensed lender, and I’m proud to provide that level of expertise. I specialize in QM and non-QM loans, and handle both residential and commercial properties. This dual perspective allows me to offer a comprehensive service to my clients, guiding them through every aspect of their transaction. Whether it’s securing financing or finding the perfect property, I’m with them every step of the way, ensuring they have the best possible experience.
What truly sets me apart is my focus on building lifelong relationships, not just handling a single transaction. My goal is to work with my clients for years to come and to help their family and friends as well. I have the tools and the experience to support them through every phase of their real estate journey, whether it’s buying a first home, expanding investments, or finding the perfect retirement spot. My business is about creating long-lasting connections built on trust, care, and reliable service.
I love working one-on-one with my clients, especially in off-market properties, which allows me to offer a more private, tailored service. My approach is deeply personal, focusing on building trust and long-lasting relationships. I’ve seen how uncertain and challenging the process of buying or selling a home can be, and I use my experience to make that road as smooth as possible. I remember how difficult it was when we moved to the U.S., learning how the housing and finance systems worked. Now, I aim to shorten that learning curve for my clients and help them feel confident in their decisions.
I’ve had the joy of helping clients who thought they couldn’t qualify for a mortgage due to past housing challenges, only to hand them the keys to their new home within 30 days. These moments remind me why I do what I do, and why I’m so passionate about my work.
Brand-wise, I’m proud that my business reflects my personal values—focusing on trust, communication, and providing a high level of care. I’m not heavily active on social media because I prefer to work privately with clients, focusing on their unique needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. I’m based in Newport Beach, and I feel fortunate to be surrounded by some of the best that Southern California has to offer. Laguna Beach, in particular, has my heart, and I love helping clients find their perfect place in such a beautiful area.
In everything I do, my goal is to provide an experience that’s as smooth and rewarding as possible. I want my clients to know that they can rely on me to be there with them every step of the way, not just for this transaction but for years to come. I’m here to be a trusted partner for them, their family, and their friends, making sure they feel empowered and supported throughout their journey.
Ultimately, I want my husband and children to see all of this and feel proud of what I’ve built, knowing that they were at the heart of it.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Being an ambivert, I’ve never been too fond of traditional networking events or committees as I feel they lack authenticity sometimes. I really cherish my downtime with my family, so I’ve built my book of business primarily through referrals and by always doing my best to help people. I believe when you focus on providing real value, word spreads naturally.
When it comes to mentorship, I believe finding the right mentor is invaluable, especially in an industry as cyclical as real estate. A good mentor can help you navigate challenges and keep moving forward when things get tough.
I’ve been fortunate to have my husband as my mentor. He’s been in finance for over 20 years and has been an incredible coach and support for me. His guidance has been a big part of my journey.
Additionally, my brokerage, which was established in the early 2000s, has over 100 years of combined experience. I’ve had great support from my colleagues, particularly one in particular who has been a big help in navigating the ins and outs of the business.
In terms of a formal coach, I don’t have one. I’m more of a self-learner and am always looking for areas where I can improve. That said, I’ve spent thousands on coaches in the past, and there are some fantastic ones out there. My advice is to try out a coach first and ensure they’re about meeting you where you are and guiding you based on your needs. A great coach should be accessible and genuinely invested in your growth.
Some notable names in the field are Jim Chamberlain, Brandon Mulrenin, Jackie Kravitz, Mike Ferry, Tom Ferry, Gogo Bethke, and Krista Mashore. I’ve personally had the most experience with Jim Chamberlain and Brandon Mulrenin.
If you’re trying to break into the field of Real Estate and haven’t found a mentor yet, feel free to reach out. I’d love to chat more about the journey and help guide you along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.partners-re.com and www.backbayfunding.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kajalestates/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550051044179 or @kajalrealestateandlending
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KajalEstates or @kajalestates
- Other: Cell: 8185688842
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Image Credits
Arielle Levy
