Renovate & Real Estate

Renovate & Real Estate
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Welcome to More Than Renovating, a Renovate and Real Estate Podcast. Our founder Belinda Smith talks to industry experts to provide you with the knowledge and information you need to make renovating for love or profit your reality. Belinda will also chat to some of her renovation mastery members who are just everyday people doing extraordinary things following their passions in the renovation and property space.

  1. 2d ago

    From Self-Doubt to Taking Action: Julia's Renovation Journey

    What happens when you stop waiting until you feel ready and finally back yourself? In this episode of More Than Renovating, Belinda Smith chats with Julia Surtees, a busy mum of five who went from loving houses to taking the leap into her very first renovation project. Julia spent time learning, asking questions, getting involved in the Renovation Mastery community and building her confidence before making the move. After plenty of analysis paralysis, she secured an off-market property in a hot market and teamed up with a joint venture partner to transform a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom property. But this episode is about so much more than the renovation itself. Julia opens up about self-doubt, learning to trust herself, managing a renovation alongside family life, finding the right people to surround herself with and the importance of getting the boring stuff sorted before the fun begins. She also shares the lessons she's taking into her next project. From joint ventures and off-market deals to DIY, budgeting, tradies and the reality of renovating with five kids, Julia's story is a reminder that you don't need to know everything before you start. Sometimes you just need to trust yourself, ask the questions, put one foot in front of the other and give it a go. If you've ever been stuck in self-doubt or waiting until you feel "ready" to start your renovation journey, this is one you'll want to hear.

    From Self-Doubt to Taking Action: Julia's Renovation Journey

  2. Sep 17

    "Could I Actually Do This" to "I Actually Did it": Megs' First Renovation Flip

    What happens when you stop thinking about renovating and finally hit the go button? In this episode of More Than Renovating, Belinda Smith chats with Megs Shorrocks — a Renovate and Real Estate student who went from watching the modules, taking the notes and wondering "Could I actually do this?" to buying one seriously ugly Queenslander and taking it all the way through to a successful sale. Megs shares the highs, the messy middle, the moments of doubt and the lessons she learned throughout her first renovation flip. From a rundown property with smashed windows, cracked walls, rubbish and plenty of surprises, Megs transformed the "ugly duckling" into a beautiful, functional home — all while navigating rising costs, unexpected challenges and the pressure of staying on budget. She also opens up about why having a renovation coach in her corner helped her stay focused, avoid overcapitalising and, most importantly, stop letting fear and outside noise hold her back. For Megs, the biggest win wasn't just the numbers. It was proving to herself that she could actually do it. Because sometimes the biggest thing standing between you and your next renovation isn't the market, the property or the numbers… It's simply hitting the go button. If you've been sitting on the sidelines, waiting until you know everything or until the "perfect" time comes along, this episode might be the push you need.

    "Could I Actually Do This" to "I Actually Did it": Megs' First Renovation Flip

  3. Sep 3

    The Dynamic Duo of Renovation: Design, Planning & Getting It Right from the Start

    What happens when you combine 28 years of interior design experience with hands-on renovation, property and management expertise? You get the ultimate renovation dream team! In this episode of More Than Renovating, Belinda Smith sits down with Julie Stackpole and Richard Elmsley, the powerhouse couple behind SEQ Renovation Consultants. From meeting later in life in New Zealand to building a new life and business together in South East Queensland, Julie and Richard share how their complementary skills have created the perfect partnership for helping homeowners renovate with confidence. Julie brings a wealth of interior design expertise, including a passion for functional and beautiful kitchen design, while Richard brings his practical renovation experience, communication skills and ability to keep projects moving on site. If you're thinking about renovating and wondering whether you need support to bring all the moving pieces together, this episode will show you exactly how the right expertise can help turn your vision into reality. Tune in to find out their biggest piece of advice.

    The Dynamic Duo of Renovation: Design, Planning & Getting It Right from the Start

  4. Aug 20

    Underfloor Heating: The Renovation Upgrade You Need to Consider Before It's Too Late

    In this episode of More Than Renovating, Belinda Smith sits down with Rick Florence from ColdBuster Underfloor Heating to uncover the truth about one of the most overlooked additions to a home renovation: underfloor heating. Rick shares his unique journey from corporate finance and business ownership into the underfloor heating industry, and explains why he believes the potential for underfloor heating in Australian homes has only just begun. Together, Belinda and Rick bust some of the biggest myths around underfloor heating. They discuss how underfloor heating can be used throughout the home, under a variety of flooring types, and why it's important to consider it before your floors go down. Belinda also shares her own experience installing underfloor heating during her recent renovation and why it became a must-have for her new living spaces. If you're renovating, building, or even just thinking about updating your floors, this episode is a reminder to leave your options open and get the information you need before it's too late to make the decision.

    Underfloor Heating: The Renovation Upgrade You Need to Consider Before It's Too Late

  5. Aug 6

    From centre stage to stunning interiors: Meet Donna Watson-Boyd

    What does a career in music have in common with interior design? More than you might think. Renovate and Real Estate's Belinda Smith chats with interior designer, renovation consultant and artist, Donna Watson-Boyd about her journey from professional singer to founder of Interiors by Donna. Donna shares how she transformed a dated Central Coast property into a warm Spanish Revival home, why functionality should guide every design decision, and how thoughtful planning can create a cohesive, character-filled home on any budget. Find out more about us at renovateandrealestate.com.au

    From centre stage to stunning interiors: Meet Donna Watson-Boyd

  6. May 21

    Homes with soul: Miescha Phillips' renovation journey

    In this episode of More than Renovating, Belinda chats with renovator and owner of Rising Phoenix Property Solutions, Miescha Phillips.   Miescha's experience spans more than 10 years in the charming wine region of the Barossa, where she grew up. Her favourite renovations are homes with character. For Miescha, part of the fun is the challenge — figuring out clever, cost-effective ways to bring homes back to life without overspending. Find out more about us at renovateandrealestate.com.au

    Homes with soul: Miescha Phillips' renovation journey

  7. Feb 27

    I drive a 22-year-old car, and it doesn't bother me. How my money values focus on the big picture.

    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

    I drive a 22-year-old car, and it doesn't bother me. How my money values focus on the big picture.

  8. 11/20/2025

    How smart finance builds wealth through property: Conversation with Kelly Bowen | More than Renovating

    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

    How smart finance builds wealth through property: Conversation with Kelly Bowen | More than Renovating
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About

Welcome to More Than Renovating, a Renovate and Real Estate Podcast. Our founder Belinda Smith talks to industry experts to provide you with the knowledge and information you need to make renovating for love or profit your reality. Belinda will also chat to some of her renovation mastery members who are just everyday people doing extraordinary things following their passions in the renovation and property space.

Information

  • Creator
    Renovate & Real Estate
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Renovate & Real Estate

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