Renovate & Real Estate

In this refreshingly honest episode, Founder and CEO of Renovate and Real Estate, Belinda Smith, shares her take on modern-day money values — opening up about the very standard set of wheels that get her from A to B, and why she, and the likes of multi-billionaire Warren Buffett, would never buy a fancy brand new car. This episode explores public perception, lifestyle pressure, and the silent expectations we place on ourselves to "look successful." It's an empowering reminder that wealth-building isn't about appearances. It's about choices, priorities, and long-term thinking. If you've ever felt the pressure to upgrade, impress, or keep up, this conversation will help you reassess what success really looks like. Find out more about us at renovateandrealestate.com.au

Join Belinda Smith, Founder and Director of Renovate and Real Estate, for a heartfelt and honest conversation with Kelly Bowen, Director of Lifestyle Finance Australia. Kelly shares the real stories behind building a business, backing yourself through the ups and downs, and helping everyday people access opportunities that can change the course of their future. This episode of More than Renovating is a beautiful reminder that when you pair the right mindset with smart financial choices, you create space for growth, confidence and the freedom to build the life you've been dreaming about. Find out more about us at renovateandrealestate.com.au

In this episode of Renovate and Real Estate's More Than Renovating podcast, Belinda Smith chats with expert builder Steve Epps from SE Building Solutions about what it really takes to run a successful renovation business. From navigating complex projects and solving unexpected problems to working with clients and bringing old homes back to life, Steve shares his journey and the unique challenges of high-end renovations. Whether you're a renovator, homeowner, or just curious about the building world, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the art — and grit — of renovation. Keywords: renovation, building business, home improvement, high-end renovations, Queenslander homes, construction challenges, fixed-price quotes, renovation tips, builder insights, renovation podcast

In this, our inspirational 70th episode of More Than Renovating, Belinda Smith chats with Property Mindset Dynamics coach Kylie Walker about the traits that set successful renovators and investors apart. From taking imperfect action to overcoming analysis paralysis, Kylie shares how clarity, persistence, and the right network can turn property dreams into reality. Whether you're new to renovating or a seasoned investor, this conversation will help you shift your mindset, build momentum, and play the long game in property and life. Thanks for joining us for 70 amazing episodes.

In this episode of More Than Renovating, Belinda Smith sits down with powerhouse tradie and founder of Female Tradie, Penny Petridis. From building custom cars at 18 to having four trades under her belt, Penny shares an incredible journey of persistence, passion, and paving the way for women in construction. Penny opens up about the early challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, finding her voice, and why creating space for others to thrive is just as important as knowing your tools. Whether you're starting out or looking to carve your own path, this episode will give you the motivation to chase your version of success, no matter the odds. If you've ever struggled to find your place in the world, this one's for you. Find out more about us at renovateandrealestate.com.au

In this episode of More Than Renovating, Belinda welcomes special guest and VIP student, Tracey Ellis from Old 2 New House Transformations. What started as a casual chat turned into a captivating story about an Aussie renovator who took her skills — and courage — all the way to Athens. Tracey shares how her spontaneous "late-to-life gap year" led to purchasing a rundown apartment in one of Europe's most historic cities. From navigating language barriers with tradies to unintentionally renovating during daily siestas, her overseas escapade is equal parts inspiring and entertaining. If you've ever dreamt of buying a €1 house in Italy or fantasised about Under the Tuscan Sun-style escapes, you won't want to miss this episode. It's a beautiful reminder that renovating isn't just about bricks and mortar — it's about life, learning, and taking chances. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a dose of wanderlust!

Welcome back to More Than Renovating podcast that goes beyond bricks and mortar to explore the mindset, strategy, and heart behind property investing and renovating. In this powerful episode, our host, Belinda Smith is joined by Kylie Walker from Property Mindset Dynamics, a highly experienced coach in the property development and investment space. Together, they dive deep into "the middle"—that often-ignored phase in every property journey where excitement fades, challenges mount, and progress feels painfully slow. Kylie shares insights on what makes the middle so mentally and emotionally difficult, and why it's the most critical part of the journey. Kylie provides practical tools to stay motivated and push through when things get tough. Whether you're just starting out or knee-deep in a project, this episode will resonate deeply. It's a raw, real, and much-needed conversation about the mindset required to succeed—and thrive—in property.

Welcome back to More Than Renovating podcast hosted by Belinda Smith! In this episode, Belinda is joined by Samantha Asher, a renovator with a unique background that's shaped her practical and intuitive approach to property. Samantha shares her journey from growing up on Brisbane's Bayside to unknowingly absorbing the world of construction and property development through family ties. From working in energy efficiency and construction management, she brings a rich blend of experience and perspective to the world of renovating. We dive into the realities of running renovation projects—what it's like managing trades, making fast decisions, learning on the go, and finding creative solutions when faced with avocado-green benchtops! Samantha also opens up about her DIY confidence (hello, flat-pack queen) and how watching others succeed in the industry inspired her to take the leap for herself. Samantha's story is a reminder that renovating is so much more than paint swatches and tile samples—it's about growth, grit, and getting the most out of your team and yourself. Tune in now for a conversation full of real talk, practical insights, and a healthy dose of renovation inspiration.

In this episode of The More Renovating Podcast, our host Belinda Smith chats with property expert and founder of Wallace Advocates, Emily Wallace. As a dedicated buyer's advocate, Emily helps everyday Aussies navigate the overwhelming world of home buying—securing properties that feel like the perfect fit, many of which are off-market gems. From her unexpected journey into real estate to the challenges of navigating the property market solo, Emily shares valuable insights on what buyers need to know, how to negotiate with confidence, and why having a buyer's advocate can make all the difference. If you're thinking about buying, renovating, or just love all things property, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss! Learn more about Emily and her team at www.wallaceadvocates.com.au.

In the next episode of More Than Renovating, our host Belinda Smith welcomes the incredible Anne-Marie Rayner from Dreamscape Renos. Anne-Marie and her husband Stuart are full-time renovators, currently working on a massive project in Umina Beach. One of Anne-Marie's standout skills? Finding unbelievable bargains on renovation materials! She shares her tried-and-tested methods for sourcing high-quality fixtures and fittings at a fraction of the cost—without sacrificing style or quality. Whether you're a seasoned renovator or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stretch your budget and maximise your profits.

Kickstarting 2025 with the More Than Renovating Podcast! Join us as we welcome back our host Belinda Smith and our special guest, Lisa Hazel, a student of Renovation Consultancy Mastery. Lisa has launched her renovation consultancy business, The Celestial Place, while balancing a significant government role and her passion for sustainable renovations. Lisa envisions a future where she will fully dive into her creative side through designing, property and renovating, plus support local homeware vendors and eventually give back to the community - helping improve the homes and lives of the less fortunate. In this episode, we dive into Lisa's journey from managing a busy professional life to building a purpose-driven business.

In this next episode of the More Than Renovating Podcast, our host Belinda Smith chats with Cel McCuskey, the mastermind behind TileEasy.com.au. Cel is the founder and innovator of Tile Easy, a revolutionary flooring solution. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, property renovator, or commercial fit-out expert, this episode is packed with insights! Here's what we cover: ✅ How a tile interlocking system empowers DIYers. ✅ The surprising result of Cel's tile system when it comes to comfort. ✅ How fast tile installations save time and money. Join us as we dive into the future of tiling with Cel and what it took for him to launch this new tile system.

In the next episode of the More Than Renovating Podcast, our host Belinda Smith chats with Amy Page about her journey into property investment and her recent renovation project. Over the past 12 weeks, they've worked closely together. Amy shares how she navigated the early stages of buying a property, initially aiming to flip, but later pivoting to holding it for the long term. We dive into the challenges of managing a renovation while balancing family life, as well as the lessons she learned about budgeting, renovation strategy, and the hustle required to secure a property in a competitive market. Amy also discusses the importance of setting a solid foundation for her kids' future and the exciting potential for her next property venture. Tune in to hear about the highs, the lows, and everything in between in Amy's property renovation journey!

In this episode of More Than Renovating, host Belinda Smith from Renovate and Real Estate dives into the complexities of juggling multiple responsibilities while managing renovation projects. Renovating isn't just about swinging hammers and painting walls—it's a delicate balancing act of planning, prioritising, and staying ahead of the game, especially when life throws in additional tasks like family and work commitments. Belinda shares her personal tips for staying organised, delegating tasks, and handling the unexpected delays in product availability and tradie schedules. Tune in for actionable advice on how to master your renovation projects without dropping the ball on the rest of life!

Welcome to the latest episode of the More Than Renovating podcast with your host, Belinda Smith. In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of sisters Kylee and Jodie, who transformed their long-time dream of flipping houses into a reality. Discover how they turned a neglected property into a profitable venture, the challenges they overcame, and the deep satisfaction of achieving their goal. We'll delve into the critical role of numbers, the power of community support, and how their sisterly bond remained strong throughout the process. Join us as we trace the origins of Kylee and Jodie's passion, their renovation experiences, and their future plans in property investing. Whether you're a novice or an experienced renovator, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice.

In this episode of More Than Renovating, your host Belinda Smith welcomes back a very special guest, John Foong for part 2 as they dive into the fascinating world of property search and investment. John discusses the innovative features of the Domain app, including the overhaul that enhances the user experience and how AI is shaping the future of real estate. He also provides valuable insights for buyers, sellers, and agents on maximizing the use of Domain's tools and data. Tune in for expert advice and insider knowledge. Don't miss out on learning how to make informed, data-driven property decisions with Domain's cutting-edge technology. Plus, stay tuned for a special appearance from a surprise guest!

Welcome to the latest episode of the More Than Renovating Podcast with your host, Belinda Smith. Today, we're excited to introduce you to Roger and Victoria from Urban Uplift, who are an entrepreneurial young couple and property enthusiasts from Queensland who love to travel. Realising that the traditional 9-to-5 wasn't for them, they ventured into creating multiple streams of income, with renovating being a key part of their journey as well as their business venture, wine bar Monte Lane in Ipswich. We discuss renovating and how it can be easy to manage on the side.

Welcoming you to another episode of our More Than Renovating podcast with Belinda Smith. We are thrilled to bring you part 1 of a conversation with John Foong, Domain's Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director of Agent Experience. John has been officially recognized as one of Australia's Top 50 Real Estate Influencers for 2023. With an impressive background, John has worked with tech giants like Google and Uber in the US for over 15 years. He's been a key player in the overhaul of the Domain App and is part of the creative team behind Domain's hilarious advertising campaign featuring Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale. Beyond his professional achievements, John is a seasoned property investor with a portfolio of over 20 properties. In this episode, we'll dive into his extensive knowledge and experience in the real estate market, discussing everything from property investment strategies to portfolio growth. Join us as we discuss his journey, insights, and tips for building successful property portfolios. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their real estate investments.

Join Belinda Smith from Renovate and Real Estate in this engaging episode of "More Than Renovating," where she welcomes special guest Amanda Bird from Transforming Squares. Amanda shares her insights into the world of renovating, launching a consultancy business, the significance of working with consultants, and the role of women in renovation. Belinda and Amanda explore the intricacies of working with renovation clients, from initial consultations to project completion, emphasising the importance of effective communication and managing client expectations. They touch upon the factors Amanda considers when evaluating potential projects, emphasising flexibility and budget awareness. The conversation extends to Amanda's project management approach and handling unexpected challenges during renovations - don't miss out on this enlightening discussion between two industry experts!

In this episode of More Than Renovating with our host Belinda Smith, listeners are guided through the essential skills required to excel as a property investor. Belinda shares invaluable insights into recognizing the next right move in your property journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding your financial position and goals. From saving for that crucial first deposit to leveraging finance and networking effectively, Belinda outlines actionable steps to propel your property investment endeavors.