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.

Welcome back to the More Than Renovating Podcast. In today's episode, Belinda Smith is joined by special guest Nick Bowditch, a seasoned expert in mindset and psychology. They explore common fears hindering individuals in the property investing and renovating space. The discussion delves into the manifestations of fear, the impact of limiting beliefs, and practical advice for overcoming obstacles. Tune in for valuable insights and real stories about navigating the realm of property investing and renovation!

Join Belinda Smith on the upcoming More Than Renovating Podcast episode as she sits down with the dynamic duo, Anne-Marie and Stuart Rayner, the proud owners of "Dreamscape Renovations." Tune in as they unravel their captivating journey, transitioning from stable careers to becoming full-time renovators. Together, they delve into the challenges of quitting their jobs, time management strategies, scaling their business, and venturing into renovation consultancy and joint ventures. Throughout the conversation, Anne-Marie and Stuart recount the pivotal 'firsts' in their story – from their initial meeting at university to acquiring their very first investment property in 2001. Take a walk through time with them, exploring their triumphs in successfully renovating numerous homes up to the present day.

In the next episode of the More Than Renovating Podcast with our host Belinda Smith, we meet Lynette Manciameli, a seasoned property investor with over 20 years of experience, who runs a Builder Finders business. Her role is to locate, interview, check the credentials and oversee the work of builders from start to finish of a project, on behalf of both renovators and people building new homes. Lynette was raised in a building family, construction is in her blood. As the analytical mind at Builder Finders, she's dedicated to finding the right builder for her clients. Join us for a captivating discussion with Lynette, the mastermind behind Builder Finders.

Join us in this inspiring episode of the More Than Renovating Podcast with our host Belinda Smith, as we sit down with Tracey Ellis. Tracey, a single lady, with her kids now independent, who embarked on a journey to create a flexible lifestyle income. Through renovating she has just done that. She moved to Port Pirie to flip houses and quickly established herself and her trade team. She shares her remarkable story with insights and inspiration for anyone looking to transform their lifestyle through property renovation. Tune in to discover the secrets behind Tracey's success, and gain the motivation to turn your own dreams into reality.

In the next episode of the More Than Renovating Podcast, our host Belinda Smith is joined by Lisa Schapiro and Munro Donen, dynamic buyers agent duo from Property Buyer East, based in Sydney. With a shared enthusiasm for understanding their clients' desires, they leave no stone unturned to secure the perfect property and believe in the art of active listening, diligent deal-making, and treating every client with the utmost care. They are committed to delivering exceptional service on behalf of www.PropertyBuyer.com.au a trusted name in Sydney's real estate industry since 2001. Tune in to be inspired by their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to ensuring their clients find not just a house, but a true home.

In this highly anticipated episode of the More Than Renovating Podcast, your host Belinda Smith sits down with a true expert in the field, John Lindeman. Join them as they delve into the world of property investment and explore the burning question that plagues every investor's mind: Where should I buy? John, a renowned property analyst, author, and commentator, brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, unveiling secrets and insights that are invaluable for anyone interested in the real estate market. With three books under his belt and a regular contributor to esteemed publications like Australian Property Investor magazine, John has the solution you've been searching for. Get ready to discover the strategic approach to property investment that you never knew you needed. Tune in to find out how you can make the right choices and take your property investment journey to new heights. Don't miss this enlightening episode filled with expert advice, insider tips, and actionable strategies. It's time to uncover the answers you've been seeking and make informed decisions that will shape your investment future.

In the next epsiode of the More Than Renovating Podcast with our host Belinda Smith we introduce you to Tanya Fleming, a property enthusiast born into a family of property investors from Melbourne's western suburbs. Tanya has renovated her own homes over the years, and is almost finished with her investment property renovation. What sets her apart, is that she doesn't like to DIY! She is not a 'doer' in the traditional sense, but rather, she instructs others to complete her renovations with precision. Tune in to gain valuable insights and be inspired by Tanya's unique perspective on property renovation.

In the upcoming episode of the More Than Renovating Podcast, host Belinda Smith welcomes a special guest, Karen King, a lifelong renovation enthusiast who calls Kargoorli WA home, alongside her partner Graham. With a history of investing and a few fixer-uppers, Karen has just ventured into the world of Renovation Consulting to pursue her passion, boost her income and explore her creativity. She also conducts stained glass workshops and juggles a railway career, proving that where there's a will, there's a way. Tune in for a delightful episode.

In this inspiring episode of the More Than Renovating Podcast, Belinda Smith sat down with Renovation Accelerator student - Tracy Field. Tracy is a resilient single mum who is boldly chasing her dreams of financial independence and being on the cusp of retirement. She aspires to use renovating, Airbnb, and rental income as her primary income streams by the time she reaches 60 and moves away from corporate life. Despite her prior experience in renovations, Tracy felt that more support would give her the confidence to play a bigger game and stop her from second-guessing herself. Join us as Tracy shares her heartfelt story of resilience, determination, self-belief, and the pursuit of financial freedom. Discover how she is navigating the challenges of transforming her dreams into reality and how her journey can inspire you to chase your own aspirations, no matter your age or circumstances.

In the upcoming edition of The More Than Renovating Podcast, join our founder, Belinda Smith, as she delves into the realm of commencing renovations with minimal funds. Be sure to tune in and gain insights from Belinda as she elucidates that this endeavor demands, unwavering determination and an indomitable spirit. The path from starting with nothing to achieving greatness in just a handful of years is not only attainable, but feasible—provided you wholeheartedly dedicate yourself to the journey. Enjoy the episode!

In this upcoming installment of the More Than Renovating Podcast with Belinda Smith, we had the pleasure of interviewing Renovation Accelerator student, Jenny Beckwith. Jenny is an experienced renovator who, alongside her husband, embarked on their first property flipping venture for profit. Jenny shares her journey of creating a captivating home while providing valuable insights into the process. With honesty and authenticity, she highlights both the successes, challenges and how renovating a property to flip is different to renovating her own home. So grab your headphones, and get ready to soak in the captivating tale of Jenny Beckwith. Her story will leave you inspired, energized, and itching to tackle your own home transformation dreams.

In the next episode of the More Than Renovating Podcast with Belinda Smith, we had the pleasure of speaking with Floss Kelly, the Co-Founder of TileCloud. Floss and her brother-in-law identified a market gap and launched TileCloud—an innovative online tile supplier that simplifies the tile ordering process, with samples supplied, it has revolutionised online tile shopping. Join us as Floss shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode of the More Than Renovating Podcast with Belinda Smith, we sit down with the inspiring Rachael Lilley, a dedicated student of both the Renovation Mastery and Renovation Accelerator programs. Rachael's unwavering commitment to turning renovating into her everyday reality is truly remarkable. Join us as Rachael takes us through the highs and lows of her latest project in Gympie, where she transformed a property into a beautiful space. Rachael also shares her exciting venture into the world of property staging, where her creativity and passion for design shine. Throughout the episode, Rachael reflects on her personal growth and how renovating has become more than just a hobby; it has become a path to self-discovery and fulfillment. Tune in now to be inspired by Rachael's journey and learn how being a part of a supportive renovating community can shape your future.

Steve McKnight is an accomplished author, property investor and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry and has helped thousands of people achieve financial freedom through property investment. In Episode 40 of the More Than Renovating podcast, Belinda Smith and Steve discuss investing and his latest book Money Magnet - How to Attract and Keep a Fortune That Counts.

Sharon Hankins, owner and founder of "I Restore Stuff", is a furniture painter & restorer who loves to up-cycle old, neglected pieces and give them a new lease on life. What started as a hobby over 12 years ago, has morphed into a business, where Sharon teaches others via online and in person workshops, how to paint furniture. As a sought after expert in the DIY online space, Sharon has been a featured guest for Facebook lives with USA's premiere online DIY platform, Hometalk, as well as a current weekly live ambassador for USA company, Essential Stencil. Finding a balance between staying on trend and re-cycling the old, Sharon loves to teach others how to update their home with minimal fuss and a whole lot of beautiful!

Sharon Brighurst runs a custom Blinds and Curtains business in the Barossa Valley called Defined Interiors. She is a dynamic single mum with grown up kids who is determined to switch to renovating full time, flipping homes instead of making window fittings and fixtures.

Jenny Anestoudis of "Home Renovation and Consultancy" and Craig Strachan of "Building Connections NSW" bring their vast years of experience together in partnership, specialising in renovation client projects and Joint Ventures. Jenny, Craig and Belinda SMith discuss what it's like running a renovation consultancy business in Sydney on Episode 37 of the More Than Renovating podcast.

Joe Rossi from National Properrty Group is a property data systems & software specialist with over 25 years' experience in the real estate industry. Joe and Belinda Smith discuss the new National Property Data software on Episode 36 of the More Than Renovating podcast.

Amanda is a full-time Renovation Consultant based on the Gold Coast Queensland at Transforming Squares. She left her role as a senior Business Analyst to pursue the freedom that a renovation business offers. Amanda loves to take tired and run-down properties and transform them into amazing living spaces for homeowners.

Helen grew up watching her dad build, so always understood property. Her first property was in Tasmania, then she married, and had four children to a man who was not as excited about investing as she was. Now, recently divorced, Helen committed to getting back into it by buying into an amazing location and starting a renovation on her own. She shared her very personal journey with me on this episode.

Kylie Walker (Kylie The Coach) is a personal development coach. She deeply understands property investing, having been an active renovator and investor for many years. To that point, she really understands an investor's mindset, why some people do exceptionally well and others fail to make a start. She coaches people to overcome any blocks or fears around property investing and renovating and we go deep on the topic in this episode.

Thao and her husband are not afraid of hard work, but after running a small business for years, found themselves completely worn out. Since selling that business, they are now almost halfway to fulfilling their goal of owning 10 investment properties, living off the rent and never having to work again. Thao openly shares her step-by-step journey.

Nurse Deb and her Paramedic husband worked in Health for a long time, while also working on renovation projects together. Deb's aim is to fully retire from her nursing role. In this episode, you'll discover the investment projects they have worked on together, Deb's talent and love for interior design and how she discovered the popularity of the farmhouse style before it was a known trend.

For Episode 30, Belinda Smith chats with Sydney-based Angus and Kath Logan who are Renovation Consultancy Mastery students and are part of the RARE community. They have a long-time love and all of the right skills for renovating, and have recently launched their own Renovation Consultancy "Consult Design Renovate", helping others with their projects. In doing so, they also have created a portable lifestyle career for themselves.

Anita Birges is the founder of Mise en Place. A professional organising, decluttering and property styling company that can help you transform your home and your life at the same time! Organising is second nature to Anita, it's her "super power"! Balancing work, running an efficient home and being a mum of a blended family with four kids has taught her the enormous value of staying organised and having structured systems in the home. Anita is a regular on Channel 9's Today Show, Today Extra and a video presenter for HOWARDS STORAGE WORLD, Bunnings Warehouse, & P&O Cruises Australia just to name a few, where she shares all her tips and tricks doing what she loves best!

Robyn and her husband Steve had ventured into the world of property investing before and not had a great experience, so were understandably nervous when considering their first flipping project. Robyn talks us through the flip, how she found the property, the predicted profit and how close she is to completion.

Renovation Consultancy Mastery student, Sue Goodwin chats with Belinda Smith about her renovation learning journey! Sue was a teacher, who had always longed to follow her passion - a love of Interiors, Floor Plan Designs and Renovations. Sue takes us through the steps she followed to transition into launching her business "Flippin' Fabulous" with her partner John, a Carpenter by Trade, and what it's like working with clients and partnering with other property owners.Sue was a teacher, who had always longed to follow her passion - a love of interiors, floor plan designs and renovations. Sue takes us through the steps she followed to transition into launching her business "Flippin' Fabulous" with her partner John, a carpenter by trade, and what it's like working with clients and partnering with other property owners.

Belinda Smith speaks to Kelly Nelson, who is a Renovation Coach with Renovate and Real Estate. Kelly quit her job to renovate full-time 3 years ago and has never looked back. She has now completed 16 homes. We discuss the ups and the downs of renovating full-time.

Jessica Reynolds is an entrepreneurial Town Planner from Queensland's JREY Town Planning specialising in permissions for subdivisions, multiple dwellings and commercial property. We talk about what quality town planning advice looks like, working with town planners and how her own business has evolved.

Mike Mortlock is managing Director at MCG Quantity Surveyors, an expert in tax depreciation, an active property investor and real estate commentator. Join Belinda and Mick as they discuss why depreciation reports are an important part of an investment strategy and the services that are offered at MCGQS.