MRE UNCUT

Big changes are here! In this episode of MRE Uncut, hosts Steve Fitzsimon and Pete Hooymans are joined by MRE's Head of Property Services, Tilly Gillan, to unpack the latest minimum standards for rental properties. From mandatory heating upgrades and improved energy efficiency to pet-friendly leasing laws. Plus, what do blackout blinds, security locks, and new property adjustment rules mean for la...

In this episode of MRE Uncut, Steve Fitzsimon is joined by Business Development Managers Ashton Emini and Kelly Levin to provide a rundown on Q1 2025, in particular the new clients who have seen major returns in just a few short months. With MRE's rents trending hundreds of dollars higher than expected, they unpack the reasons behind investment growth — from renter demographics to evolving tenant...

In the second episode of this yearly tradition, Steve Fitzsimon sits down with Matt McKenna and Jarrod O'Donnell to discuss this year's peak season. With hard statistics and expert insights, they break down the trends that defined the season, including how it compared to previous years, which properties were in high demand and why now is a good time to start hunting for a rental. Whether you're a...

MRE does what the government can't! In this episode of MRE Uncut , Steve and Laura sit down with Craig Topp from Property Compliance Victoria to break down the poorly publicised and confusing laws surrounding minimum standards for rental properties. Despite the exorbitant fines at stake, minimum standards remain a mystery to many rental providers. From ambiguous laws to contradictory Consumer Affa...

In this episode, Steve Fitzsimon sits down with buyer’s advocate Cate Bakos to unpack what it’s really like to work with a buyer’s agent. From the types of clients she helps to the strategies she uses for investors and homebuyers alike, it’s a straight-talking overview of how advocacy works, who it’s for, and the tips Cate shares to help buyers avoid costly mistakes. If you’re thinking about engag...

In this episode of MRE Uncut, hosts Steve Fitzsimon and Peter Hooymans reveal the secrets to scaling your business using psychometric testing. From spotting potential to creating teams that work dynamically towards high-level outcomes, go beyond the resumé and dive deep into what makes the perfect match between agent and position. With scientific insights from over a decade at the forefront of str...

In this episode of MRE Uncut, Brand & Marketing Lead Sinead Petropoulos sits down with finance specialist Gemma Mitchell to talk money, confidence, and the road to financial independence—especially for women in property. They explore the inspiration behind Gemma Mitchell Finance, why financial literacy is still a barrier for many, and how women can build wealth despite career breaks or the gen...

In this high-impact episode, Steve Fitzsimon is joined by Jason Kloszynski from Finance Source to unpack the Reserve Bank’s headline-making interest rate cut. They break down what drove the decision, how it compares to past moves, and what it says about the state of the Australian economy. From inflation trends to employment data, the pair explores who stands to gain the most—first-home buyers, in...

In this episode of MRE Uncut, host Stephen Fitzsimon is joined by Head of Leasing Jarrod O'Donnell and EQ Branch Manager Jeff Chen to dissect the mounting pressures in the rental market. They discuss the surge in international student demand, visa delays causing housing bottlenecks, and the financial squeeze pushing students to the brink. With rising competition and limited supply, what does this...

In this episode of MRE Uncut , Pete and Steve sit down with Charlotte Pascoe to reflect on her unconventional entry into MRE, from a job interview over a glass of wine to making waves in the projects department. They discuss the risk of stepping into something different, fuelled by vision and a mission to challenge industry norms. Now the CEO of Stockdale & Leggo, Charlotte shares the lessons,...

In this episode, host Steve Fitzsimon sits down with Anthony Deluca from byDELUCA to discuss the realities of property development in Victoria. Anthony shares insights into byDELUCA’s background and the types of projects they specialise in before tackling some of the biggest challenges facing the industry today. From increasingly complex approval processes to the rising cost of construction, they...

Commercial property offers a world of opportunity, but it comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. In this episode of MRE Uncut, Matt, Steve, and Pete break down the key differences between managing commercial and residential properties, explaining why MRE made the move into this space and what it takes to succeed. They explore how landlords can attract top-tier tenants, the impact of lea...

In this episode of MRE Uncut, Steve Fitzsimon sits down with Keith Chen, Managing Director of MORC Interiors, to explore how well-chosen furnishings can enhance a rental property’s appeal and value. Keith shares insights on the design elements that make a difference—balancing durability, style, and functionality to attract tenants while keeping costs in check. He discusses emerging trends in renta...

What happens when a tenant turns out to be more trouble than you ever expected? In this episode, host Steve sits down with Property Manager Louisa Raffel and landlord Sam to discuss a rental situation that took a turn for the worse. Sam shares how things went from normal to disastrous, the warning signs that were either missed or came too late, and the shocking extent of the damage left behind. Lo...

In this episode of MRE Uncut, hosts Pete Hooymans and Steve Fitzsimon are joined by MRE’s Senior Commercial and Residential Property Manager, Matt McKenna, to tackle a burning question: Are property investors turning their backs on Melbourne? With rising land tax pressures, shifting market conditions, and government policies squeezing returns, many landlords are reconsidering their positions. The...

In this episode of MREUncut, we mix up our hosting duties with Brand and Marketing Lead, Sinead Petropoulos, and Employee Experience Lead, Izzy Morel sitting down with MRE’s Branch Manager, Jeff Chen to explore the unique story of stepping away from MRE and later choosing to return. Together, they discuss the factors that led to the decision to leave, the personal and professional goals pursued du...

Pete Hooymans and Steve Fitzsimon are back with an episode that’s as cheeky as it is inspiring. In this latest installment of MREUncut, the duo doesn’t shy away from dropping some big names—John McGrath, Peter Rowlings, and Chris Rolls, just to name a few—as they reflect on the industry heavyweights who’ve shaped their approach to real estate over the past three decades. This lively conversation b...

In this episode, host Steve Fitzsimon is joined by MRE’s Senior Business Development Manager, Memphis Middleton, to unpack Victoria’s new 7.5% short-stay levy and its potential impact on Melbourne’s rental landscape. Starting 1 January 2025, the levy applies to platforms like Airbnb, with revenue earmarked for affordable and social housing initiatives. Steve and Memphis explore the implications fo...

In this episode of MRE Uncut, host Steve Fitzsimon sits down with MRE’s General Manager, Jake Workman, to explore his journey from the education sector into real estate. Jake shares what ignited his interest in the property industry, the transferable skills that have shaped his role as a leader, and how his leadership approach has evolved to meet the demands of this dynamic field. Steve and Jake d...

In this episode of MRE Uncut , hosts Steve Fitzsimon and Peter Hooymans reveal the insider tips you need to know before entrusting your biggest asset to an agent. From spotting red flags to asking the right questions, they break down what separates the best from the rest in the competitive world of property sales. Whether you're selling for the first time or a seasoned investor, this episode will...

In this episode of MRE Uncut , host Steve Fitzsimon is joined by MRE’s Leasing Team Lead, Jarrod O'Donnell, and Head of Property Services, Tilly Gillan, to provide a comprehensive guide to navigating Melbourne’s busiest leasing period. They explore how to identify shifts in tenant demand and adapt to changing preferences, while offering advice on preparing properties with the features and amenitie...

In this insightful episode of MRE Uncut , hosts Peter Hooymans and Steve Fitzsimon sit down with superannuation expert Dana Walton, formerly of REI Super, to demystify the complexities of super for real estate professionals. They explore what makes REI Super unique, why paying attention to your super is critical, and the latest trends shaping the industry. Dana shares practical tips on boosting yo...

This week, MRE Uncut brings a fresh perspective as Employee Experience Lead Izzy Morrel and Brand & Marketing Lead Sinead Petropoulos take over hosting duties. Joining them are Alex Wright, Senior Residential Sales Executive, and Sophie Carmichael, Residential Sales Executive, who share their journeys from starting at MRE to excelling in the competitive world of real estate sales. Alex and Sop...

Join MRE Uncut hosts, Steve Fitzsimon and Pete Hooymans, as they sit down with Bronte Carfino, one of MRE’s Liveability Agents, to explore the heart of exceptional customer service. In this episode, the trio shares the top five strategies for delivering outstanding client satisfaction — methods that challenge the traditional perceptions of real estate agents. From redefining how agents are viewed...

In this latest episode of MREUncut, hosts Steve Fitzsimon and Peter Hooymans confront the question every property owner needs to ask: Are you being lazy with your investment? If you've ever wondered how much more your property could be earning, this episode is for you. Steve and Peter uncover the crucial difference between active and passive property management and how it directly affects your inv...