Long before he was leading one of Barfoot & Thompson’s fastest-rising branches, Jagpal Khosa was a young man with little more than ambition, determination, and the courage to step into the unknown.
“I didn’t even know where New Zealand was on the map,” he says with a laugh. “But I knew I wanted a brighter future — somewhere I could grow, push myself, and make something of my life.”
Born and raised in Kolkata, with deep family roots in Punjab’s Faridkot district village (Ratti - Rori), the 39-year-old arrived in 2007 as a 20-year-old international student. He worked long shifts at gas stations, saving every dollar, while quietly studying the people who inspired him most — real estate agents.
“I didn’t choose real estate — real estate chose me,” he reflects. “I saw the professionalism, the confidence, Indian student-turned-branch manager leads one of Barfoot & Thompson’s fastest-growing offices. I thought, ‘I want to try this — just once.’ That one try became my life’s career.”
Turning Challenge into Opportunity
On April 1, 2023, Khosa took on one of the biggest challenges of his career — becoming one of Barfoot & Thompson’s youngest Punjabi branch managers. The Manukau office was struggling, ranked 65 out of 70 company branches, with just 15 team members and 12 listings.
Where others might have seen a mountain too steep to climb, Khosa saw an opportunity to build. “From day one, I set a vision,” he says. “We changed the culture, recruited the right people, and created an environment where every person could succeed.”
Photo: Jagpal Khosa/Supplied
At present, the branch has 53 members, a vibrant team spirit, and a ranking 25th(July 2025) — a leap Khosa credits entirely to his people. “It’s never one person,” he says. “Every individual (Frontline Team, Sales Team, Property Managers) here contributed to this turnaround.”
Grounded in Family and Purpose
Khosa, a local resident of South Auckland, says his family has been his anchor through every stage of his journey specially his Wife and Mother.
“I can’t thank my family enough for the incredible support they have always given me,” he says. “Nothing I’ve achieved would have been possible without them. They are my reason, my drive, and my biggest blessing.”
That deep sense of gratitude shapes the way he leads. His motto — “With you, for you — everything real estate” — isn’t just about business; it’s about service.
“We don’t just chase sales,” he explains. “If someone walks in just wanting advice, we give them an honest answer. When a client lists with us, they’re not getting one agent — they’re getting the strength and support of the entire team. And they can always call me directly. I’m out there meeting people, not just sitting behind a desk.”
The Best Time Is Always Now
When asked if it’s the right time to buy or sell, Khosa doesn’t hesitate. “It’s always now,” he says. “In real estate, waiting often means missing the moment. Back in India, we’re farmers — if you don’t plant the seed today, you can’t expect a harvest in 30 days. It’s the same here. If you’re ready, take the step now.”
Building the Future
This year Jagpal has already achieved one major goal — bringing a rural specialist into the team — and is now aiming to push the branch into the early 20s in the company rankings.
For him, though, the numbers are only part of the story. “Success is seeing my team grow, seeing them achieve things they didn’t think they could, and knowing we’re giving wider Auckland the very best service,” he says. “This is more than a branch — it’s a community we’re proud to be part of. I can’t thank my Entire Team for the incredible things they have always provided and supported me with. Nothing would have been possible without the same, ” Onwards and Upwards form here
"If you're looking make your next Real Estate transaction or a change in career and joining us, I would love to have a confidential chat with you," says Jagpal Khosa
Khosa can be directly reached at 021 258 1370.
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