We were lucky to catch up with Kajal Patel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kajal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?
Do you take vacations? As a business owner, how do you keep things going – any advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away for a short vacation?
Absolutely! Travel is one of my biggest passions, and if I go too long without a trip, I start getting itchy feet. Fun fact—when I was younger, I wanted to be an air hostess just so I could travel the world! Growing up in London, we were lucky to be so central to everything, and with the famously grey weather, escaping to sunnier destinations was almost a necessity.
That said, I also grew up in a family business where vacations were rare. My parents worked 365 days a year, and while I admired their dedication, I also saw the burnout that came with it. That experience shaped my belief that regular breaks aren’t just a luxury—they’re essential. It was actually my husband, an avid traveler like me, who showed me that taking time off doesn’t mean neglecting your business; in fact, it can make you better at what you do.
That being said, in real estate, it’s not always possible to completely switch off. Deadlines are tight, deals are always moving, and unexpected situations can arise at any time. So, while I do take vacations, I also ensure that most of my deals are wrapped up before I leave, or I collaborate with a trusted colleague to ensure a smooth closing. Sometimes, I even take a “holi-hour” for myself—just a quick check-in to make sure everything is on track before fully enjoying my time away.
For entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away, my advice is to plan ahead and set up systems that allow you to delegate or manage things efficiently. The business will still be there when you return, and you’ll come back sharper, more motivated, and with fresh energy to pour into what you do.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Kajal Patel, a realtor and lender specializing in Southern California, particularly Orange County. My journey into real estate began long before I was licensed—I grew up managing my family’s real estate and businesses, which gave me a deep understanding of the industry from a young age. Business and finance have always come naturally to me, leading me to earn a degree in Business from the University of Hertfordshire.
After moving from London to California, I knew I wanted to continue my career in real estate. My husband, who had always envisioned us raising our family in the sunshine, encouraged me to pursue my licenses in the U.S. after we had settled our children. Once I became licensed in both mortgages and real estate, everything truly aligned, and I found my passion in helping people navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
What sets me apart is my ability to offer both real estate and lending services, giving my clients a full-picture approach. I specialize in residential and commercial real estate, including off-market properties, and work with a range of clients—from first-time buyers to seasoned investors. I know firsthand how overwhelming the process can be, especially for those unfamiliar with the U.S. market, and my goal is to simplify the experience, provide clarity, and ensure my clients feel supported every step of the way.
More than just completing transactions, I focus on building lifelong relationships. My goal is to serve my clients, their families, and their friends for years to come. Real estate is more than just buying and selling—it’s about creating stability, growing investments, and navigating important life transitions with confidence.
I take great pride in the trust I’ve built with my clients. Many come to me through referrals, which is the greatest compliment I could receive. My business is built on honesty, reliability, and clear communication, ensuring every client knows they have a dedicated partner by their side.
I live in Irvine with my husband and two wonderful children, and I work from our office in Newport Beach. I feel incredibly fortunate to do what I love in a place that truly feels like home.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that social media—and now even AI—is the ultimate key to success in real estate. In a world where information is everywhere, it’s easy to think you need to be constantly online, posting, and following every so-called “expert” piece of advice. But my clients aren’t finding their dream homes by binge-watching videos or interacting with algorithms. They might scroll for inspiration, but when it comes to making one of the most important decisions of their lives, they need real guidance from a real person.
Buying or selling a home is a huge financial and emotional decision, and I understand how overwhelming that can be. There’s so much noise out there—some of it helpful, some misleading—and it’s easy to feel lost. That’s why I focus on simplifying the process and providing genuine, hands-on expertise. My clients trust that when they work with me, they’re getting personalized advice and complete privacy; they’re not just another piece of content to be shared online.
For a long time, I thought I needed to constantly build a massive social media following and invest in every course or coaching program available. But I soon realized that many so-called “experts” are either new to the field or haven’t had the practical, on-the-ground experience required to truly guide someone through a real estate transaction. Apparently, you only need to be 10% ahead of someone else to call yourself an expert—that was a real wake-up call. While I continue to learn and evolve, I now know that it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag or at the expense of genuine client relationships.
With AI now being available, I believe it’s more important than ever for clients to reach out to real people. Technology can offer convenience and data, but it can’t replace the empathy, insight, and personal touch that come from direct human interaction. That’s why I’ve chosen to focus on my business, my clients, and my family. I outsource the parts of social media I don’t need to micromanage, trusting my own extensive experience to guide every transaction.
At the end of the day, real estate is about helping people find a place they can truly call home. If I were in the market for a realtor or lender in Orange County, I’d choose someone who offers exclusive, hands-on service and puts client care above all else—and that’s exactly what I strive to provide every day.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
In real estate, many professionals lean on their sphere of influence—but much of my circle is based overseas or back in London, so I had to work hard to build my client base. Early in my career at Loan Depot as a Senior Loan Officer, I learned that quality always trumps quantity. I treated every lead with meticulous care—never simply passing them off to processors—and that dedication resulted in a 97% close rate. I quickly discovered that one satisfied client could easily turn into three through referrals.
Once I obtained my realtor license and went independent in both loans and real estate, I committed to prospecting every morning from 8 to 10 AM. I engage in genuine, one-on-one conversations with sellers, buyers, and prospective clients, a daily habit that has helped me build a strong pipeline and lasting relationships.
Collaboration is also key to my approach. I partner with a trusted colleague at my brokerage to ensure our clients receive the highest level of service, and my husband—who brings years of finance expertise—has been an invaluable referral source. Here in Irvine, I work closely with other realtors and lending professionals, managing both residential and commercial transactions, including QM and Non-QM loans. This integrated approach allows me to guide my clients through every aspect of a deal seamlessly.
Ultimately, my success comes from consistent prospecting, personalized attention, and the trust I’ve built over the years. My clients know they’re not just another number—they’re real people I care about, and that genuine, relationship-driven approach is what sets my business apart.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Partners-re.com www.backbayfunding.com www.kajalestates.com
- Instagram: @KAJALESTATES
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550051044179#
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kajal-patel-2a70b623b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KajalEstates
- Other: I would need to add my NMLS NUMBER: 2102351 DRE# 2215134 Phone number: 8185688842 Email: [email protected] [email protected]
Image Credits
Arielle Levy