At OBrien Real Estate, we are proud of the diverse and varied cultures that span across and enrich our network, reflecting the multicultural nature of our Victorian people. To celebrate Harmony Week, OBrien Real Estate is amplifying the diverse voices of our network and encouraging the sharing of their stories, heritage and experiences. Namat Watanyar is a Sales Agent from our Deer Park office and originates from Kabul in Afghanistan. His inspiring story has shaped him into the dedicated, resilient and community-minded agent that he is today. We asked Namat to give us a glimpse into his cultural experiences.
Where did you grow up and what was that experience like?
I grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan, the capital city. Life was much harder than what children experience today. Kids now have freedom, toys, childcare, and preschool, none of which existed for me. I grew up in a large family of eight and was a shy child. The community was very close, which had both positive and negative sides. People helped each other during difficult times and celebrated together during happy moments, but there was also unhealthy competition, with many trying to appear richer or more successful than others.
One of the most meaningful experiences from my childhood was when my father left Afghanistan to come to Australia. As the oldest child, much of the responsibility fell on me. I had to work and help support my family, which was extremely challenging, but it taught me that in hard times, the people who truly stay with you are your family. These lessons shaped my character and gave me a strong sense of responsibility and resilience.
When did you first arrive in Australia? Describe your journey of getting here.
I arrived in Australia in late 2015 at the age of 16–17. Moving here was a big change and came with many challenges. Finding a rental home was very difficult because we had no rental history and a large family. We searched for a long time before we finally found a place to live.
Adjusting to a new country was also challenging. Leaving our close family and friends, living somewhere where people didn’t understand our situation, and having to learn English from scratch. I started Year 11 at school, which was extremely difficult because I could barely read or write in English at the time. I had to learn the language, find my way to school, make friends, and adapt to a completely new environment.
Despite the challenges, moving to Australia gave me the chance for a fresh start to learn, grow, and build a new life.
Did you always want to pursue real estate or did you have a different path in mind?
My first job in Australia was working on a farm in Swan Hill picking fruit. It was physically demanding, but it was an important experience. I finished school in 2018 and started working at Woolworths, where I aimed to grow into a managerial role.
In 2021, our family moved to Melbourne for more opportunities, including university for my sister. I continued working at Woolworths as an Assistant Department Manager, but over time I realised I wanted to explore something new. Talking with my cousin in real estate and researching online inspired me to take the next step. I enrolled in a real estate course, which marked the beginning of my journey in the industry.
How did you get into real estate?
I completed my real estate course online while working full-time. Around that time, I sold an investment property, which had many issues and ended up costing me money, but taught me a lot about property and investing.
While attending an open home in Deer Park, I met Sandeep Kathpalia, now my colleague. He encouraged me to submit my resume to the office, and that simple step changed the direction of my career.
The first few months were very challenging, because real estate is different from other jobs. You need local knowledge, time management, client communication skills, and the ability to handle all kinds of situations, including difficult clients. It was confusing at first, but those challenges helped me grow and build confidence in the industry.
How has your unique life experience shaped who you are today?
My experiences have taught me resilience, responsibility, and the value of hard work. Growing up in Afghanistan, supporting my family, and moving to a new country at a young age forced me to adapt, learn quickly, and work hard.
Real estate requires a different mindset than a traditional 9–5 job, you need to manage your own schedule, develop client relationships, and ask the right questions. Sometimes clients aren’t easy to deal with, especially over the phone, but my background has helped me develop patience, persistence, and strong people skills, which I carry into my work every day.
Who has been one of your key mentors in your career development?
Sandeep Kathpalia and Ross Vorrias, our director, have been key mentors in my career. From the beginning, they guided me through hands-on experiences - going door knocking with Sandeep, joining Ross or Sandeep on appraisals, and learning from them whenever possible.
I also had the privilege of learning from Jason Mudford at head office. He visited regularly to teach us processes, share tips, and help us understand how the business works, which was very valuable during my early days in real estate.
What do you love most about living in Melbourne?
I love Melbourne for its diversity and opportunities. People from all over the world come together here, making it vibrant, welcoming, and full of experiences.
I also love the community spirit in the suburbs where I work. People are friendly and supportive, and it’s rewarding to be part of a community where you can build real connections. Melbourne also offers a great lifestyle — from parks, cafes, and restaurants to cultural events and festivals. It’s a city where you can work hard, enjoy life, and find opportunities to grow.
What are some cultural traditions that you practice at home?
At home, we continue to celebrate and honour our Afghan culture. Family is very important, and we always make time to gather for meals, celebrations, and special occasions.
We also practice traditional Afghan customs, like preparing cultural dishes, respecting elders, and supporting each other in daily life. These traditions keep our family close and remind us of our roots, even while living in Australia.
Do you have any advice you would like to give to agents just starting their careers?
When you start in real estate, you need to commit fully. Don’t be shy or worry about what others might think. One lesson I’ve learned is: if you don’t do it, someone else will.
If you don’t call that vendor, another agent will. If you don’t go door knocking or take action, someone else will get that listing. Real estate rewards those who are proactive, persistent, and willing to put in the effort. Hard work and determination are key to success in this industry.
Hearing Namat's story gives you an idea of how he has come to be a persistent and resilient real estate professional. Namat's story is woven through the fabric of a very diverse network of voices and stories that make up the multicultural nature of OBrien Real Estate. Throughout Harmony Week, we continue to recognise and uplift the diverse heritage and rich culture across our group, and celebrate how diversity strengthens our workplaces and communities.
Namat Watanyar
Property Consultant - Deer Park
0470 471 659
[email protected]