You’ve probably seen the name floating around if you’re looking at North County property. It’s one of those names that pops up in public records, local listings, and professional registries, but rarely with a flashy headline attached to it. Honestly, that is how most high-level real estate professionals in a place like Carlsbad prefer to operate. They aren't looking for fame. They're looking for deals.
James Zamel—often officially recorded as James Alan Zemel—has been a fixture in the Southern California real estate scene for decades. We are talking about a career that spans the massive shifts in the California market, from the early 2000s boom to the current landscape of 2026.
If you are trying to pin down exactly who he is, you have to look at the paperwork. In Carlsbad, real estate isn't just a hobby. It is a high-stakes game of local knowledge.
The Professional Paper Trail in Carlsbad
According to the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), James Alan Zemel (License ID: 01353312) has held a salesperson license since February 24, 2003. Think about that for a second. That is over twenty years of navigating the San Diego County market.
His mailing address is tucked away in the 92011 zip code, specifically on Santa Barbara Street. This isn't just a random detail. The 92011 area is essentially the heart of Carlsbad's coastal-adjacent living, south of Cannon Road and stretching toward the Poinsettia area. It’s where some of the most consistent property value growth has happened in the last two decades.
He’s currently associated with Zamel Real Estate Inc.
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Why the 92011 Zip Code Matters
Most people think of Carlsbad as just "the beach." Locals know better. The 92011 area where James Zamel is based represents a specific lifestyle. It’s the "Poinsettia" district. You have high-end residential developments, proximity to the Coaster station, and easy access to the flower fields.
If you're a real estate professional operating out of this pocket, you aren't dealing with entry-level bungalows. You’re dealing with sophisticated buyers who understand the premium of being west of El Camino Real.
Understanding Zamel Real Estate Inc.
It is easy to get confused by corporate names. Zamel Real Estate Inc. isn't a massive, faceless conglomerate like some of the big-box firms you see on every street corner. Instead, it functions as a more specialized entity.
His broker affiliation has historically pointed toward Daniel Lee, another name well-integrated into the local real estate infrastructure. This kind of "boutique" setup is common among veteran agents. Why? Because after twenty years, you don't need a billboard. You need a network.
- Longevity: A license held since 2003 suggests someone who survived the 2008 crash. That’s no small feat in Southern California.
- Local Focus: While some agents try to cover all of San Diego, the concentration of records for James Zamel stays remarkably tight around Carlsbad and San Marcos.
- Niche Markets: Professionals with this profile often pivot between residential sales and property management or investment consulting.
The market in Carlsbad doesn't reward outsiders. It rewards people who know which streets have the best ocean breezes and which neighborhoods are prone to coastal fog. James Zamel has been in the zip code long enough to know both.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Local Real Estate Pros
There is a common misconception that every "real estate person" is out there posting TikTok house tours or plastering their face on park benches. That’s the "influencer" model of real estate.
Then there is the "practitioner" model.
James Zamel fits the practitioner mold. If you look at the public license lookup, you’ll see his license is active and valid through April 2027. That tells you he is still very much in the game. In a world where 80% of real estate agents quit within the first five years, two decades of activity is a massive data point. It signals a level of trust from a recurring client base.
The San Diego County Connection
While Carlsbad is the home base, the reach extends. Zamel Real Estate Inc. has appeared in listings throughout North County. San Diego's real estate market is notoriously fragmented. What happens in Carlsbad isn't necessarily what’s happening in Escondido or downtown.
However, the "North County Coastal" corridor—Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solomon Beach—is its own economic animal. James Zamel's career has tracked the transformation of this area from a sleepy coastal getaway into a tech and biotech hub.
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You've got companies like Viasat and various pharma giants right there in Carlsbad. This brings in a specific type of clientele: high-earning professionals who need discreet, competent real estate services. That is where a seasoned pro with a 92011 home base excels.
Actionable Insights for Researching Local Professionals
If you are looking into James Zamel or any similar professional in the Carlsbad area, don't just rely on a Google search. Use the tools that actually matter in the industry.
- Check the DRE: Always verify the license status on the California Department of Real Estate website. You can see disciplinary actions (if any) and how long they’ve been licensed.
- Look at the Zip Code: A professional's office location tells you their "territory." If they are in 92011, they are likely experts in the southern coastal segment of Carlsbad.
- Verify the Broker: Individual agents are always tied to a "Responsible Broker." In this case, looking into Zamel Real Estate Inc. gives you the broader picture of the business structure.
The reality of James Zamel in Carlsbad is that he is a long-term player in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the United States. He isn't a "viral" figure. He is a local professional with deep roots in the coastal North County soil.
If you are planning to buy or sell in the area, the best move is to look for that kind of longevity. In real estate, time in the market usually beats timing the market. And twenty-plus years is a lot of time.