After 30 years, `it was time for a change.'

After 30 years with the same brokerage, top-selling realtor Patti McKelvey has left McMillin Realty and joined Coldwell Banker West, the real estate sales company has announced. Coldwell Banker West is one of San Diego County’s largest real estate companies with more than 500 sales agents and seven offices, including an office in El Cajon.

McKelvey’s sales team was McMillin Realty’s top producing team both in sales and listings for 29 consecutive years, she said. In addition to her rank as McMillin’s top-producing agent, McKelvey said her team was number one in sales production among real estate sales teams countywide in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

“It was time for a change,” said McKelvey, who joined McMillin Realty at the start of her real estate sales career in 1987.

In 2016, McMillin Realty was sold by Scott McMillin to Vince Gottuso and Nick Gottuso and renamed Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate McMillin Realty.

“I’m impressed with the support and resources available to agents at Coldwell Banker West,” said McKelvey. “The company is top-notch in their commitment to excellence. I believe in a strong work ethic, honesty, integrity and consistency, which also are core values at Coldwell Banker West. This transition will benefit my clients. It never gets old seeing the joy of helping people live the American dream.”

“Patti’s professionalism and track record of success is legendary,” said Peter Mendiola, Coldwell Banker West company president. “Her addition to Coldwell Banker West will reinforce our position as a dominant player in all of San Diego County. We’re very excited about having her join our team.”

“I enjoy real estate because I love helping people realize their dreams of home ownership,” said McKelvey. “I want to meet and exceed the wishes of my clients. The relationship with my clients doesn’t end when the escrow closes. In some cases, I have represented clients who were children years ago when I worked with their parents and now they’re grown up. I love calls from clients asking for recommendations on home repair and professional services. I want to do the best job for my clients because that’s my job. I want to make a difference in helping people get their new house.”

“Patti McKelvey is a most remarkable individual,” said Liz Klaser, director of marketing, Coldwell Banker West. “Her time management skills are amazing, and I truly believe that she has a photographic memory, which certainly saves her time, and is very useful in this detailed people business. Patti has taken care of people for decades. Her expertise and her empathy have certainly made a difference in thousand of people’s lives.”

A native of South Dakota, McKelvey relocated to California in 1969. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business and English from the University of South Dakota. Before real estate, she designed children’s furniture while her two children were young. After selling her furniture company, she turned to real estate.

McKelvey’s community involvement includes supporting a number of charitable organizations, including South Bay Family YMCA, American Heart Association, Rady Children’s Hospital, National Latino Peace Officers Association and the Las Primeras Group, a philanthropic organization. She is a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Chula Vista and serves as Eucharistic minister.

McKelvey’s real estate says team includes son Jeff McKelvey, who has worked with her for more than 25 years, along with Lysette Green, Judi Johnson and April Martin.