Kal Balian Antoun, CLA, CRMP, RCS-D has had a stellar career spanning more than three decades, marked by a steadfast commitment to client education and empowerment. Since 2010, she has excelled as partner and generational lending expert with SMPL Mortgage, where she is also a mortgage advisor. In this capacity, Mrs. Antoun works closely with clients on one of their most significant financial liabilities: the home mortgage.
Mrs. Antoun’s expertise encompasses assisting first-time homebuyers, individuals seeking to upgrade or downsize their homes, and seniors interested in accessing their home equity through reverse mortgages. She is particularly proud of her work with first-time buyers, guiding them through the complexities of homeownership and ensuring they are well-informed throughout the process. Her dedication to education has enabled her to assist a diverse clientele, from those with modest means purchasing their first homes to high-net-worth individuals acquiring luxury properties in prestigious locations throughout California.
During her tenure with SMPL Mortgage, Mrs. Antoun found success in multiple different branches of the firm, beginning with the Thompson & Spiteri Mortgage Team in collaboration with Benchmark Mortgage from 2010 to 2011. In these roles, she honed her skills in client relations and financial advisement, always prioritizing education as the cornerstone of her practice. Mrs. Antoun subsequently transitioned to the TG Loans Mortgage Team in 2011, working alongside First Priority Financial until 2016.
Operating within the Caliber Home Loans branch between 2016 and 2018, Mrs. Antoun provided tailored guidance to clients navigating the mortgage process. In addition to her primary post at SMPL Mortgage, she has provided support to the C2 Financial branch since 2018.
Before transitioning into the mortgage sector, Mrs. Antoun built a robust foundation in marketing and sales. She was a marketing executive at Resort Information from 2008 to 2013 and a sales executive at Victory Plaza Tours from 1990 to 2013. Her career began at Balian Ice Cream Company, a family-owned business in Los Angeles, where she served as vice president of marketing between 1979 and 2009. Over her 35-year tenure with the company, she played an integral role in its operations while developing a passion for education that would later define her professional journey.
Mrs. Antoun’s leadership extends beyond her professional roles into significant industry-related organizations. Since 2010, she has been an active association member, education committee member, and a member of the charitable foundation of Pasadena-Foothills REALTORS®, also serving as co-chair of PFARIA. She leads Women Wealth and Wisdom, a group dedicated to empowering women through financial education. Additionally, she has been an active member of the SGV Cancer Support Community, serving on the board as president as well as the guild president for Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley.
Mrs. Antoun notably earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in journalism from California State University Northridge in 1987. She also obtained several prestigious certifications that underscore her expertise, including as a certified reverse mortgage professional from NRMLA® in 2026, a certified liability advisor and a certified divorce lending specialist.
The influence of Mrs. Antoun’s mother has been profound throughout her life and career. Her mother Jeanette was raised in the Middle East under challenging circumstances, but always exemplified kindness and selflessness—qualities that Kal strives to embody in both her personal and professional lives. Mrs. Antoun also credits her partner John Thompson for imparting invaluable knowledge about the industry as her mentor and partner for many years.
Mrs. Antoun is an active member of the Arcadia Association of Realtors, serving on several committees including Events for Charity, where she served as chair for several years and as the president of the foundation. Her longstanding commitment to St. Anne Melkite Cathedral dates back to 1972, where she continues to contribute to the community. Public speaking is another one of Mrs. Antoun’s passions, particularly on topics related to women, wealth and wisdom, reflecting her ongoing commitment to community education.
Looking toward the future, Mrs. Antoun plans to expand the reach of Women Wealth and Wisdom, aiming to empower more women by providing them with tools for financial freedom and guidance on leveraging home equity for improved quality of life. For those considering a similar path in the mortgage industry, she advises prioritizing education and mastery of one’s craft while focusing on genuinely helping others. Mrs. Antoun’s legacy is one of service, empowerment and unwavering dedication to client education across all facets of her career.