about
My name is Rajan Lal. I am an independent commercial real estate broker and project manager doing business as Mandala Real Estate. The word mandala originates from the ancient language of Sanskrit. It is a symbol that represents balance and unity, both elements which must be infused into any real estate transaction to offset the typical volatility and ultimately achieve desired outcomes
After seven years of working for a larger brokerage firm, I made the decision to leave because independence aligned more closely with my vision to transcend traditional service boundaries and adopt a integrated, flexible and multidisciplinary approach to every transaction that I am involved in. What this ultimately means is that I don't cling to any specific role or function, but rather act if I can affect change or facilitate efficiency and productivity
What are some of my other unique value propositions?
I have spent my entire career in the service industry. As a result, I have honed and developed what I consider "Key Competencies" of a top notch service professional:
Accountability
Honesty
A pleasant demeanor and attitude/someone who is easy to work with
Effective listening, writing and communication skills
Diligence/going above and beyond
Knowledge/experience
A progressive/solution oriented nature
Responsiveness
Flexibility
Efficiency
Punctuality
As an independent, all I have to stand behind is my own name. This understanding cultivates a deeper level of motivation, diligence and persistence
As both a broker and project manager, I can be involved in the lease or purchase of commercial real estate, as well as manage/facilitate any pre (budgeting, financing, demographic studies, etc) and/or post acquisition activities (entitlements, permits, construction management, etc). Having one point of contact is more efficient and cost effective
Many California companies are choosing to set up operations in Arizona due to cost benefits. As a broker licensed in both California and Arizona, I have had success facilitating such expansion interest
services
DEVELOPMENT FOR PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS & SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES:
Taking a project from idea conception to completion is one of my passions. I devise the project budget, secure financing, locate and broker the land purchase, hire and manage all contractors and consultants, entitle the land and oversee the construction process until delivery of that idea which was conceived
PROJECT MANAGEMENT:
Facilitate and manage a diverse range of real estate related transactions and processes for private individuals, developers, business owners, landlords, tenants, or any person/entity with time and resource limitations, and that see value in working with an independent contractor on an as needed basis. Focused and comprehensive due diligence and unparalleled attention to detail are just some of the skills that I infuse into these transactions, the results of which are a reduction in liability, a safeguarding of the investment, efficiency and inevitable cost savings. Examples of such transactions and processes include:
Market, feasibility and demographic studies
Project budget research and development
Comparable research to assist with project valuation
Preliminary plan and construction document review
Entitlements and permitting (including conditional use permits)
Space planning and tenant improvement construction
Contractor/consultant hiring and management
Construction management
Construction draw and budget management
Building systems design and implementation
Mandated sustainable initiatives by local jurisdictions
Design and implementation of alternative energy sources
Getting problem projects back on track
FF&E
Punch list management
Bonding requirements
RFP/bid review and negotiation
RFI monitoring
Submittal/spec review
Interior/exterior finish work
Remodels, renovations and additions
Energy audits
Due diligence review
Utility service commencement procedures
CEQA/BAAQMD statues and guidelines
Change order management
Lot mergers
Project close out procedures
1031 Exchanges
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE:
Facilitating lease, sale, and purchase transactions for owners, investors, and occupiers is one of my core competencies. I have experience with retail, industrial, office/medical office and education uses, as well as land transactions
testimonials
"As Site Coordinator for Wayland Baptist University, I was tasked with locating a building and site for our first campus in Southern Arizona. It was after an arduous search with no real prospects that we decided to contact Rajan for assistance. Rajan’s knowledge of the commercial real estate market was unparalleled. Through meticulous research, he uncovered possibilities that we just overlooked. He coordinated and led tours and meetings with property representatives, and found us the perfect location. Once we solidified the location however, the real work began, and having Rajan on our team was a major blessing. On our behalf, he navigated through the convolution of city paperwork and requirements to get our use approved, and negotiated all of our lease terms with the property owner. What really impressed me about Rajan however, was that once the lease was signed, and payment for his services rendered, he didn’t abandon us. Instead, he introduced us to a local contractor who could construct our interior tenant improvements, and was intimately involved in the process from design to the completion of construction, all the while making sure costs didn’t exceed our budget. I would like to think that Rajan’s involvement was spurred purely by obligation, but I don’t feel that that is the case. Rajan has a genuine love for the industry, and a genuine concern for the needs of his clients. Obligation alone wouldn’t result in the level of service and attention to detail that he provides. I emphatically and wholeheartedly recommend Rajan to any organization" - Randy Eckley, Site Coordinator, Wayland Baptist University
"I've worked with directly with Rajan for the past 7 years on 6 very complicated commercial real estate projects. Rajan is extremely detail oriented, knowledgeable in Local State & Federal regulations. He has always been an excellent project manager hitting our target dates for completion every time. I would always recommend Mandala if you want the job done right and on time" - Michael Russell, Founder & President, Freight Services, Inc.
"I have known and worked with Rajan for the past 7 years. He worked as my Leasing Agent for several properties I managed throughout Arizona. He has always been dependable, loyal, hard working, knowledgeable in all areas, great with both his clients and ownership, very responsive and trustworthy. I would highly recommend Rajan Lal and Mandala Real Estate!" - Melanie Kopacz, Property Manager, DHS Property Investments
"I worked with Rajan in 2012 when I was looking for a new facility to relocate my preschool. Rajan was the project manager and he did an outstanding job. He's well connected with different groups of people and he's super knowledgeable of local laws and regulations. He's very patient and personable, always returning my calls and emails when I had any questions. Rajan works incredibly hard and goes the extra mile to get the job done well and on time. He's a true professional in what he does. I give Rajan Lal the highest recommendation" - Emilia O'Toole, Founder, Woolly Mammoth Childcare & Preschool