Student Spotlight: Sam Huxley, Commercial Sales & Leasing, First National Real Estate Busselton 

He’s ambitious, analytical and not afraid of hard work. And at 22, Sam Huxley is already making his mark in commercial real estate in the South West.

In less than a year, he’s wrapped up his degree at Curtin and launched his career in commercial real estate with First National Real Estate Busselton, completing his Unrestricted Registration with REIWA Training in just two months.

We caught up with Sam to learn how he got his start, how he progressed so quickly, and the advice he’d share with others entering the industry.

What made you want to pursue a career in real estate, and how did you get started?

I’ve always been around property. I grew up in Dunsborough where my dad runs a building company, so construction and housing were always part of my life.

While finishing my degree in finance and property investment and development at Curtin, I started looking for something local that matched what I was studying. A valuer I knew put me in touch with Matt Snaddon, Licensee, and that opened the door to a career I never initially saw myself in.

I joined First National Real Estate Busselton approximately nine months ago and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s all happened quickly, but it’s been a great start.

What stood out about commercial over residential?

Commercial grabbed me straight away. You work with a wide mix of people, from investors to business owners, developers and owner occupiers, and the network you build is huge. There’s also a lot of development happening in the South West, so every day feels different. 

It’s fast-paced, less emotional than residential, and really motivating to be around people who are building and growing their businesses. Seeing how they’ve done things inspires me to get into that space myself.

Why did you choose REIWA Training for your course, and how did you find it?

REIWA felt like the obvious choice. They’re the peak body and set the standard for the industry here in WA. I’m good friends with former President Joe White and knew the work he was involved in, so choosing REIWA felt like the right move.

I chose to study online so I had flexibility around work, study and living regionally. Being able to complete the course in my own time, usually after work, helped me move through it quickly. The trainers were great with feedback and happy to jump on the phone when something needed more explanation. I’d recommend everyone train with REIWA.

You completed your Unrestricted Registration in just two months. What motivated you to get it done so fast?

I was already in the study mindset after finishing my degree, so continuing on made sense. My boss also gave me a deadline so I could be involved in one of our industrial estates, which added a bit of time pressure.

The sooner I finished, the sooner I could properly get started in the industry. You’re on training wheels until you have your registration, so I wanted to move through it quickly and be more involved.

What support have you had as you’ve settled into the role?

Matt brings me into everything, from meetings to listings, which has fast-tracked my learning. You don’t pick things up by sitting on the sidelines, so being included in the day-to-day has made a big difference.

He also joint lists with me on most of our work, which has helped get my name and face out there. In a small town, that local trust goes a long way, and I’ve been lucky to have that support early on.

What are your long-term career goals?

Right now, I’m focused on building my experience in the commercial sector, learning from those around me and strengthening my network in the South West and Perth.

There are extra skills I’d like to add over time, potentially auctioneering or other courses through REIWA. I’d also like to get my valuer’s licence, which would be a good fit with my degree and the work I’m already doing.

Long term, I’d like to build my own portfolio and eventually run my own business. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset, and real estate is one of those industries where if you work hard and show initiative, opportunities tend to open up.

What advice would you give someone thinking about starting a career in real estate?

As someone who didn’t expect to end up in real estate but always loved property and working with people, I’d say just go for it. If you’re willing to learn, put yourself out there and build relationships, you can progress quickly. Real estate rewards consistency and effort.

Don’t wait until you feel ready. I took everything on at once and learned so much by being in the field, talking to clients, sitting in meetings and seeing how deals come together. The earlier you start, the faster you’ll find your footing.