'I wouldn't have it any other way': Inner west agent Youseff Chmait on why he'll always love Sydney

What Youseff Chmait lacks in age, he more than makes up for in experience.

The 26-year-old sales agent from Raine & Horne Marrickville has been working around property since he was a 12-year-old, helping his parents to renovate houses and sell them.

Chmait, who comes from an Italian-Lebanese background, has always lived in the inner west and loves the area for its ethnic diversity

Let’s cut straight to the important stuff… favourite Vietnamese restaurant in Marrickville?

Huong Huong; it’s my go-to when I’m working late at the office. It’s very authentic. I like the duck soup.

What was the first home you sold?

It was a two-bedroom villa in Condell Park. I sold it for $550,000, which, at the time, was the highest price in the street.

I knew as soon as it sold, that this is what I wanted to do. It was such an adrenaline rush, and I loved the negotiating.

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Do you have any other adrenaline pursuits?

My kick is the gym in the morning. It sets me up for the day. I use it as a tool to get energised.

What do you bench press?

110 kilograms. And I dead lift 140.

‘It’s a bit more classy than fast’: Chmait on his precious Jag. Photo: Jessica Hromas

Do you like fast cars?

I drive a Jag. It’s a bit more classy than fast. It’s a 2015 XE R Sport. I was looking for this car for eight months. I wanted this particular model and shape. I love it.

Where do you live?

Ashfield. There’s such a diverse array of nationalities. The people are humble and there’s a great range of housing. New Shanghai is my go-to restaurant for dumplings.

Chmait loves the humble vibe and great food in Ashfield. Photo: Jennifer Soo

What drives you in your job?

The quality and variety of stock that I sell, and dealing with people from all walks of life. Being able to sell a $500,000 unit and deal with nervous first-home buyers, and then going and selling a barrister’s multimillion-dollar home, or a block of units that’s been in a family for decades.

Do you have your own property?

I’m a property investor and renovator, with my own portfolio.

Is your age ever a barrier in your job?

Yes, people definitely judge me for how young I am. But they don’t realise I’ve been around real estate since I was a child. I’ve been renovating houses with my parents since I was 12, and I’ve already bought over 10 properties myself.

Chmait is working on perfecting his work-life balance. Photo: Jessica Hromas

Are you happy?

I am, although, I put a lot of pressure on myself to excel at what I do. I’m trying to find more of a balance.

I grew up in an Italian-Lebanese family, where my parents worked their arses off, and dad was never really around.

When I have my children, I want to be in a place where I can provide them with financial stability and there’s no pressure. I’ve seen pressure and I don’t like it.