Nathan Thomas is super proud his daughter Myah has joined his business. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Veteran Griffith-based real estate agent Nathan Thomas welcomed a familiar face to his workplace this month – his 17-year-old daughter Myah.
“I’ll be showing people around open homes on Saturdays and working behind the scenes to assist owners leasing out their properties,” Myah said.
After 20 years in the industry, Mr Thomas launched his own company, Soul Property Agents, with business partner Angelo Cirillo in 2020. That’s when he developed a fan in his own home.
“I’ve enjoyed watching Dad venture out with Angelo and seeing their business grow. I like how they interact with people and how others respond to them; I’ve always wanted to do something where I help people,” Myah said.
The Year 11 Marian Catholic College student is working for Soul Property Agents on Tuesday and Fridays after school and on Saturday mornings.
“It was not a goal of mine for her to work with us, but I could see how Myah was developing as a person; I could see how she could add value to our business,” Mr Thomas said.
“I was happy when she said yes. I’m super proud; when Angelo and I started the business, everything was derived from our families, that’s the soul of the business. Angelo is Myah’s boss and I’m her mentor.”
Myah says it can be intimidating being in a male-dominated industry, but her dad sees her gender as an advantage.
“I’m a huge advocate for women in real estate, that’s where the power is. I think they are much more in tune with people. Real estate typically has got a lot of ego. That’s got a lot to do with the males. To have women in real estate, it puts people at ease,” he said.
Myah Thomas conducts a property inspection. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Mr Thomas believes his industry is a good place for young people to learn interpersonal skills.
“For young people, there’s a lot of interaction behind the keyboard … we are trying to break the fear of dealing with strangers, that’s why we’re getting Myah to start with open homes. Ask young people to send a DM or express themselves with emojis, not a problem, but ask them to interact with people and pick up the phone, that’s where we need to build their confidence,” he said.
Griffith’s property market has boomed over the past five years. The average price of a home has grown from $355,000 in August 2019 to $570,000 in August 2024, a jump of 60 per cent.
Despite her young age, Myah wants to get in on the action.
“I’d like to buy a house to rent out while I still live with my parents. I’d prefer to purchase somewhere local,” she said.
Dad Nathan says that while sellers have ruled the roost in recent times, the pendulum has recently swung back towards buyers.
“This is the market that all the COVID buyers wished for, this market right now. You can attend an open home and consider whether the property is appropriate. During COVID, people were making offers during the moment. I love right now that people have the opportunity to consider their options,” he said.
While property price growth has slowed in recent months, Mr Thomas is optimistic about the future.
“Some buyers have an expectation that prices may come back significantly, but we’re just not in a marketplace when that will happen. Griffith is a very stable working community. Our businesses are growing and thriving and people want to live here.”
His daughter is one of those people.
“I love how everything is so close in Griffith; it’s five minutes to everywhere. I want to travel and explore other places, but don’t think I can see myself living in a big city,” Myah said.
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