A NEW ERA OF LUXURY: Shahnaz Kafader Real Estate Market Leader
In the world of luxury real estate, where every detail matters and sophistication is currency, Shahnaz Kafader emerges as a compelling new force in Southern California. With seven years in the region's real estate market, she has built a reputation serving luxury buyers, sellers, and investors. Operating with what she calls a "refined luxury mindset across every price point," Shahnaz offers personalized service rooted in integrity, strategy, and results.
From Karachi to California
The trajectory from Karachi, Pakistan to California luxury real estate reads like a modern American success story. Born and raised in Pakistan's commercial capital, Shahnaz arrived in California at 21 with an unshakeable belief in possibility. She identifies as a "free thinker"—someone who had already begun distancing herself from traditional cultural expectations.
Her foundation came from 22 years in corporate retail. Nineteen years at Sears saw her rise to store manager, learning to read customer desires and manage expectations. Thereafter, another three years in the corporate fashion world, as a sales executive at Macy's refined her understanding of luxury positioning and aspirational marketing.
The 2017 corporate layoff became a turning point. Rather than seeing it as a setback, Kafader viewed it as an opportunity to pivot. "I identify as a free thinker," she reflects. "That layoff wasn't a rejection—it was permission to finally build something that was truly mine." She entered real estate through wholesaling, then moved to commercial investments before finding her niche in residential real estate in 2019. When her mother passed away in 2022, she transitioned to full-time residential work.
Education and Expertise
Kafader holds a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising & Marketing from the Art Institute in Illinois. This background influences how she approaches property presentation and client consultation, viewing each listing through the lens of style and emotional connection. "In fashion, you're not just selling fabric and design—you're selling aspiration," she explains. "Real estate is exactly the same. People aren't buying square footage; they're buying the life they want to live."
Fluent in English, Urdu and Hindi, she serves a diverse clientele from first-time homebuyers to international investors. Her specializations include luxury listings, buyer representation, fix-and-flip consultation, and investment portfolio development.
Industry Leadership
Kafader has positioned herself in key industry organizations. She currently serves in the 2025 Women's Council of REALTORS® and as the 2025 California State Women's Council of REALTORS® Social Media Project Vice Chair. She's also an Ambassador for the Redlands Chamber of Commerce.
Her recent leadership includes serving as 2024 President of the Women's Council of REALTORS® Greater Los Angeles Network. She was one of only three Californians selected for the 2025 National Women's Council of Realtors Leadership Academy and is currently running for East Valley Women's Council President.
Beyond individual advancement, Kafader advocates for industry-wide change. She champions empowering agents through education about income opportunities beyond traditional buying and selling. "I'm passionate about exposing agents to underutilized income streams," she says. "Too many talented people are struggling in other brokerages because they simply don't know what's possible. I want to change that."
International Vision
Kafader's plans extend beyond Southern California. She's exploring expansion into Dubai and India, leveraging her linguistic abilities and cultural knowledge. "The world has become very small in luxury real estate," she observes. "My language skills in Urdu and Hindi, position me perfectly for these emerging markets. It's about being where the global money is moving."
eXp Luxury Redlands
In the summer of 2025, Kafader as the new branch manager celebrated the re-grand opening of eXp Realty | Luxury & Commercial's Redlands office—the only eXp Luxury office in the Inland Empire. The event drew over 60 industry professionals, community leaders, and local business owners to the State Street location.
The celebration attracted notable political attention. Attendees included Redlands Mayor Mario Saucedo, representatives from Congressman Jay Obernolte's office (California's 23rd District), Senator Rosilicie Ochoa-Bogh's office (California Senate District 19), and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe's office. The Redlands Chamber of Commerce provided strong support, with Executive Director Evan Sanford, Board President Jan Hudson, and Membership Director Debby Lanard in attendance.
The event was supported by seven industry sponsors: Your Blueprint, Disclosure NHD, BelleVie Home Staging and Marketing, Elite Group Inspection Professionals, Goosehead Insurance, BYLD Network, and First American Home Warranty.
Looking Forward
"This is only the beginning," Kafader said at the grand opening. "We're just getting started, and we can't wait to announce our upcoming events and continue building wealth through real estate."
Her approach combines her corporate retail background with real estate expertise, creating what she sees as a unique value proposition. The State Street office represents her commitment to elevated service standards in the Redlands market.
Kafader envisions transitioning from active practice to industry leadership within five years, focusing on education and systemic change rather than individual transactions. "My goal isn't just personal success—it's about creating lasting change in how this industry operates," she explains. "I want deeper involvement with CAR and NAR, and ultimately, I want to retire knowing I've helped elevate the entire profession." Her goal is deeper involvement with the California Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors.
The success of the grand opening reflects the community support Kafader has built and positions her as an influential voice in Southern California's luxury real estate sector.
