MRE UNCUT

Hosted by MELBOURNE REAL ESTATE

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Latest episode

Jun 2025

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About the show

MRE Uncut looks at everything relating to real estate, renting and living in Melbourne. Our mission is to equip property owners, renters and buyers with the tips and tricks we’ve gathered over 30 years in the industry. Plus, we’ll impart our wisdom on real estate professionals along the way. Each episode, we bring together leading figures from our team and collaborators to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the market. Whether you're a seasoned investor, a first-time homebuyer, or a professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, join us as we explore the ins and outs of real estate in Melbourne. For more information on our business, visit our website MRE.today .

Listen to episodes

59 recent

June 4, 202516 min

Rentals Rewritten: New Rules, Pets, Heating & More in 2025

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 landlords and tenants? Whether you're renting, investing, or managing, this is the update you can’t afford to miss.

May 28, 202532 min

New year, new investment? What Q1 means for your future

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 expectations — to help you discover if your investments are living up to their potential.Featuring expert analysis and staggering success stories, Kelly, Ashton and Steve share insights on what shifts are happening in the rental market, what tenants are looking for and how to maximise your rental yield with a few simple steps. If you're thinking of starting your property investment journey, or just changing agencies to increase your returns, this is the episode for you!What suburbs are popular with high-value tenants? What new laws might affect your investments? And how can you guarantee you're getting bang for your buck?If you want answers to your burning property questions, you've come to the right place.

May 21, 202517 min

Peak season unpacked: Tips and takeaways from the rental rush

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 renter aiming to dodge the early-year rush, or an owner looking to understand the market and what makes tenants tick, this rundown is full of insider knowledge that will ensure you stay up to date and can maximise your opportunities. Where is demand highest? What new laws are shaping the market? And should you start looking for a rental now? If you want to know how to navigate the year ahead, this is the episode for you.

May 14, 202531 min

The unknown laws that can cost you big: How to keep your property compliant

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 Affairs advice, it can be hard to know just what the legislation is. Cut through the confusion with industry insights into what the law means, what isn't a violation and how to avoid a fine when the rubber meets the road. Learn how you can protect your investments without breaking the bank, and why an experienced property manager is your best friend when compliance is at stake.

May 7, 202528 min

Your Secret Weapon in Property - Cate Bakos talks Buyer’s Advocacy

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 engaging a buyer’s advocate or just want to understand the value they offer, this is the perfect place to start.

April 30, 202520 min

Strength in numbers: Building a powerhouse real estate team

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 strengths-based hiring, Pete and Steve explore how psychometric profiling takes the guesswork out of hiring, ensuring strong job matches and varied, effective teams that complement each other’s strengths to maximise results.Whether you’re looking to grow your business, create a high-performing team or simply find that perfect hire, this episode is full of practical tips that will help your organisation thrive by securing the right people in the right roles.

April 9, 202523 min

Money, Mindset and Making Moves with Gemma Mitchell

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 gender pay gap. With practical tips, sharp insights, and real talk on what needs to change in both workplaces and the wider market, this is a conversation worth tuning in to—whether you're buying your first place or planning your next investment.

March 26, 202530 min

Rate drop revealed: Who wins, who loses, and what happens next?

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, investors, or existing homeowners—and what this means for borrowing power, property demand, and market affordability. They also discuss whether this could be the start of a trend or a one-off move, and the risks borrowers need to keep front of mind.Whether you’re holding a mortgage, eyeing your next investment, or stepping into the market for the first time, this is the conversation you need to hear before making your next move.

March 26, 202519 min

Housing chaos: How international students are shaking up the rental market

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 mean for local renters? Plus, expert advice for landlords looking to attract international tenants and insights into the government’s role in addressing the crisis.

March 12, 202522 min

From wine to the boardroom: Charlotte Pascoe’s time at MRE

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, pivotal moments, and camaraderie that shaped her path. The trio reminisces about the good times, celebrates success beyond MRE, and explores what it really takes to lead in real estate today.