Our Team
Austin Chafetz - Founder & Principal
Austin Chafetz founded Caladan Shores with a singular mission: to bring institutional-grade expertise to the human side of real estate.
Prior to establishing the firm, Austin built a career managing real estate at the highest level. With a background spanning market research, acquisitions, and asset management, he has overseen the acquisition and disposition of hundreds of assets, totaling over $1 billion in transaction volume for institutional capital.
Having sat on both the equity and debt sides of the table, Austin possesses a rare dual perspective. He understands the strict regulatory pressures that banks and lenders face, but he also understands the emotional and financial weight carried by homeowners. This experience allows him to bridge the gap between complex financial problems and the people involved, creating solutions where others only see roadblocks.
Austin holds an MBA from Cornell University, where he focused on Real Estate Finance, and a Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College.
Despite his institutional background, Austin is an entrepreneur at heart who believes that business is personal. He moved away from the "spreadsheet-first" world of corporate funds to build a legacy-driven firm in the South Bay—one that values relationships over transaction volume and community revitalization over quick profits.
Our Vision
Caladan Shores is a boutique real estate investment firm deeply rooted in the South Bay and Greater Los Angeles community. Founded by a local native, we are a business built on the belief that real estate is about people, not just transactions.
We don’t strive to be the biggest firm on the block; we strive to be the most trusted. We take a long-term view of our community, understanding that revitalizing a single property uplifts the entire neighborhood. We are passionate about the work we do and the legacy we are building right here at home.
Caladan Shores was founded to bring empathy and integrity to a side of the industry that is often transactional and cold. We specialize in complex situations—from non-performing loans to distressed properties—because we believe that every problem has a solution if approached with the right mindset.
For us, a "distressed asset" isn't just a line item on a spreadsheet; it is often a home full of memories or a burden that a family needs help lifting. We hold ourselves to a standard of kindness and transparency. Whether we are helping a lender resolve a bad debt or helping a family move on from a difficult situation, our goal is to provide a fresh start and a dignified outcome.
We value relationships over revenue. If we can’t help you, we will tell you the truth and point you in the right direction.