The 20-year-old Canberra leasing agent making a name for himself

If you’ve been scrolling through Allhomes listings lately, you may recognise Jake Arranz, a 20-year-old leasing agent making a name for himself with his starring roles in Ashby Partners property videos.

Contrary to what you’d usually expect from property marketing, the videos see Jake join director Braeden Kidd in showcasing properties in a way that draws as many laughs as eyes.

It’s just one of the things that have marked Arranz as a rising star in the industry, earning him a place as a finalist in the Allhomes Trailblazer awards.

We sat down to get a taste of Jake’s ability to, in the words of Braeden, “talk through wet concrete”. 

Tell us about your childhood.

I grew up in Canberra pretty much my whole life. It was good, it was active, we lived out in Captain’s Flat for a little bit on a property and then moved back into Canberra, closer to school. All my friends were living in the same suburb, so we were always out, running amuck. And then it was close to school so we’d always cruise home together or meet up before school.

Did you always plan on a career in real estate?

Not particularly. I met Braeden at the Vikings club when I was working there. He said that he had his own agency that he was starting up in Canberra, and he said, “When you’re 18, come and work for me.” I was about 16 or 17 at the time and didn’t think anything of it. Then I was coming to the end of college and didn’t really have anything lined up properly, I just gave him a ring and said, “I’m finishing school soon … I’m going to come and work for you now,” and I just jumped straight in from there.

What was it like starting your real estate career at 17?

It was daunting going to properties and there’s a child saying, “Give me the keys to your million-dollar property.” I wasn’t shy in saying that I’m very new to this, I’m starting, and they could tell. I didn’t have any hair on my face so they could tell, “this boy is learning”.

Where are we likely to find you at the weekend?

I play footy for the Tuggeranong Bushrangers, so after work on Saturday is pretty much all footy. I rock up in a suit and have to quickly get changed to make kick-off. They gave me an award last year for best dressed because every Saturday I’m in a suit. A lot of the boys take the mickey but you’ve got to cop that. Besides that, usually camping, motorbike riding, and anything that I can get my hands on during that time off. Going away to the coast, love it. Just trying to get outdoors as much as possible.

Favourite camping spot?

I like Mystery Bay, or anywhere down the south coast, really – but we have a farm at Michelago so we usually go out there. It just depends on what the weather is doing and what the vibe is, and what mood we’re in. Riding is a bit of a family thing. My brothers and dad all have bikes so I usually go with them. We usually go to the Cotter or just anywhere, Friday afternoons are a good time for us to knock off a bit early and go for a little spin.