Meet Peggy Barkalow | Los Angeles Real Estate Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Peggy Barkalow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Peggy, is there something you believe many others might not?
One piece of conventional advice I strongly disagree with is, ‘Find a good job that pays well with benefits, stay there forever, and work your way to the top.’ While this might resonate with someone who thrives in routine, it’s never been the path for me. I’ve always had a lot of interests, and I’ve never wanted to box myself into a single role or industry. I’ve always been creative and couldn’t picture myself clocking in and out of the same office every day, wearing pant suits and heels. That just isn’t me.

In my 20s, I explored different careers while figuring out what I wanted. I worked in the music industry for about a decade, which is a field where jumping between roles and companies is not just normal, it’s almost expected. By the time I turned 30, I was feeling unfulfilled and unsure if that path was really it for me. I remember interviewing for an executive assistant role at a corporate company. The founders, an older husband-and-wife duo, gave me a very judgmental look as they glanced at my résumé. They told me, ‘Let me give you some unsolicited advice: whatever job you take next, make it your last. It’s not a good look to jump from job to job.’

Needless to say, I didn’t get the job, and even if I had, I wouldn’t have taken it. That comment stuck with me, though, not because I agreed with it, but because it highlighted how misunderstood my journey was. I eventually found my passion in interior design, real estate, and home renovation. But I believe it’s my eclectic background working in music, fashion, entertainment, and roles like assistant, manager, producer, and project manager that has shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today.

Every role I’ve taken has taught me invaluable skills. It’s made me resilient, resourceful, and capable of handling the unpredictable nature of real estate. It’s a field where you need to hustle, juggle multiple priorities, think on your feet, and solve problems daily, all skills I developed because I wasn’t afraid to explore. I’m proud of my unconventional path, and I believe it’s given me more perspective and life experience than sticking to a single job ever could.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been anything but linear, with its fair share of ups and downs, but every step along the way has shaped who I am today. I started in the music industry, where I experienced incredible opportunities like attending the Grammys, meeting Taylor Swift at her afterparty, and being backstage at concerts. While these moments were exciting, they provided only temporary highs and didn’t truly fulfill me. By the time I became a real estate agent at 35, I was a new mom feeling insecure and discouraged, as if I was starting over at an age where I thought I should already “have it all figured out.” Looking back now, I realize starting over was the best thing I could have done. In just three years, I’ve worked harder than ever to build a career I’m genuinely proud of. I’ve found success not just in terms of numbers but in the relationships I’ve built with supportive colleagues on the Jose Prats Team, a brokerage I love, and the amazing clients who’ve trusted me to guide them through one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

What sets me apart is my combination of grit and heart. My decade in the entertainment industry taught me how to be assertive, resilient, and unafraid to advocate for my clients, but it also taught me the importance of empathy and integrity. I prioritize educating and guiding my clients, making sure they feel confident and supported through what can be a stressful process. I’m not here to push anyone into decisions they’re uncomfortable with. My focus is on building trust and delivering results. Getting here wasn’t easy. My first year in real estate, with a one-year-old daughter at home, was one of the hardest of my life. I started at the bottom, working as an assistant, and I said yes to everything, even when it wasn’t convenient. I worked late nights, early mornings, drove all over the city in hours of traffic and pushed through the discomfort because I knew the experience would be invaluable. That willingness to step outside my comfort zone allowed me to learn quickly and excel in ways I never imagined. Today, I’m proud to work on a team that specializes in homes with historic and architectural character. I’ve always been drawn to homes with soul and those that embrace colors, textures, and thoughtful craftsmanship. I love homes that tell a story, and many of our listings, especially Spanish-style homes, do just that.

One of the most exciting parts of my career is seeing how innovative our team is, particularly with social media. My boss and mentor, Jose Prats, has built one of the largest Instagram followings for a real estate agent in Los Angeles, and his posts and reels drive so much of our business. It’s incredible to see buyers walking into open houses just because of a post they saw online. It’s a modern and powerful way to connect people to their dream homes. The journey hasn’t been easy, but every risk, every late night, and every uncomfortable moment has been worth it. At the end of the day, my goal is to help people not just find a house, but a home that inspires them and fits their lives. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m even more excited about where I’m headed.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Such a loaded question! One of the things I love most about Los Angeles is how vast and diverse it is. Every neighborhood has its own vibe, offering a mix of cultures, food, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. You can enjoy a luxurious Michelin-rated meal overlooking the ocean with white tablecloth service or have the best taco of your life on an urban street corner from a family’s taco stand. LA truly is a playground for adults.

I’ve lived on the westside of LA, including Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, and Venice, and now I call West Adams home. My work takes me all over the city, from Pasadena to Silverlake to Mar Vista and Playa Del Rey, so I’ve developed a list of favorite spots for every kind of experience.

For food, I love taking visitors to some of my go-to places:

-Madre’s in Palms for Oaxacan cuisine.
-Johnny’s Pastrami in West Adams for the ultimate comfort food.
-Casablanca in Venice, where the fresh tortillas are unforgettable.
-Cento in West Adams for pasta that feels like an Italian vacation.
-Hinano’s in Venice for my favorite burgers and a dive bar vibe.
-Hank’s in Pacific Palisades for a classic yet elevated burger experience.
-Sugarfish (at any of their locations) for simple, melt-in-your-mouth sushi.
-Bay Cities Deli in Santa Monica for their famous Godmother sandwich.
-Din Tai Fung in Century City for dumplings that are absolutely worth the wait.

Beyond food, I always make time for the beach in Santa Monica as it’s a quintessential LA experience. Another favorite activity is heading to Angeles State Park in Downtown for a laid-back day with wine, sandwiches, and a game of frisbee. As a dog owner, I also love exploring LA’s amazing hiking trails. There are too many great ones to choose from, but the Malibu trails are always a hit, offering gorgeous views and a peaceful escape from the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have two very special people to thank for their impact on my journey. First, my husband, Lee. We’ve been together since our early 20s, and through all of life’s twists and turns, he has stood by me with unwavering support. Whether it was emotional or financial, he’s always been my rock, lifting me up with pep talks and making me feel seen, valued, and never judged. When I faced challenges in my career path, he never doubted me for a second. In fact, it was Lee who first suggested I consider becoming a real estate agent back in 2018. While I hesitated, he saw my strengths clearly and explained why it would be a perfect fit. He’s my biggest cheerleader, bragging about my successes to friends and colleagues, posting on social media, and always ready with a hug or a high-five when I close a deal or secure a new client. He supports me through the long days, unpredictable schedules, and weekend work without ever making me feel like it’s a burden. As an entrepreneur and business owner himself, he truly understands and that’s everything.

My second shoutout goes to my boss and mentor, Jose Prats. In 2023, I joined his team as his assistant, and that decision completely transformed my real estate career. Jose is kind, patient, and incredibly generous with his knowledge. He gave me the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the business up close, entrusting me with his book of clients and thriving social media presence, both of which he worked so hard to build. His guidance and mentorship have been invaluable. Thanks to him, I’ve grown tremendously and now serve as a senior agent on his team. We’ve become business partners on deals, working with buyers, sellers, and developers alike. I owe so much of my success to his belief in me and his willingness to share his expertise.

Website: https://joseprats.com/agent/peggy-barkalow

Instagram: @peggybarkalowhomes

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-barkalow

Other: Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@peggybarkalow?_t=ZT-8tLE1XlM3Rq&_r=1