PODCASTS
Inside Property Investing Podcast
with Mike Stenhouse
Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Louise Smith, a remarkable figure whose story is as compelling as it is inspiring. In the world of horseback riding, Louise is a seasoned equestrian, but her talents and ambitions stretch far beyond the stables. Her venture into the realm of property investment began around 2006, a time shadowed by the looming financial crisis. Yet, with savvy and timing on her side, Louise made a purchase that not only withstood the economic downturn but also taught her the invaluable lesson of buying smart. This pivotal moment set the stage for Louise's investment philosophy, emphasizing the power of a good purchase price. From there, Louise's investment strategy evolved from a part-time passion to a full-blown business endeavor. She's since flipped houses, dived into HMOs, and tackled multi-unit freehold blocks, all while maintaining an eye for the single lets and gems hidden in the market.
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What's more, Louise has harnessed the power of collaboration, working closely with joint venture partners and investors to expand her portfolio even further. But what truly sets Louise apart is her role as a co-founder of Property Mums UK, a groundbreaking group dedicated to empowering women in the property space, especially those balancing the challenges of motherhood with their entrepreneurial dreams. Join us as we explore Louise's extraordinary journey from equestrian to property mogul, shedding light on the strategies, successes, and insights that have defined her path.
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Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, there's a wealth of knowledge to be gained from Louise's experience. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be inspired by a story of resilience, savvy investing, and unwavering ambition.
The Airbnb Nomads Podcast
with Alex Mannock
Join Alex as he interviews Louise Smith of Braeside Property, who shares her inspiring journey from equestrian expert to a successful property investor. Louise reveals her blueprint for building a thriving HMO portfolio, offering invaluable insights on sourcing deals, building relationships with agents, and raising private investor finance.
KEY TAKEAWAYS • Louise transitioned from an equestrian career at Paul McCartney's estate to property investing, driven by a desire for excitement and self-development.
Building strong relationships with estate agents is crucial for finding deals; Louise recommends creating a spreadsheet and categorising agents based on their helpfulness.
• Joint ventures can be a great way to start in property, but it's essential to align values and clearly define roles with your partner to avoid conflicts.
• Louise emphasises the importance of having finance in place before making offers, either through personal funds or by building relationships with private investors.
• Networking and public speaking played a significant role in Louise's success, helping her connect with potential investors and partners. • Louise advises focusing on properties within a 30-minute drive from your home, as local knowledge is invaluable for spotting good deals quickly.
• Mental health and self-development are crucial aspects of running a successful property business; Louise recommends self-help books and emotional mastery courses.
• Louise's strategy involves sticking to 6-bed HMOs to minimise olannina risks and ensure consistent cash flow, aiming for at least £1,000 monthly profit per property.
BEST MOMENTS "I soon learned that don't try and put on any kind of façade, just be yourself because then you attract the right people and you're that makes business a lot, lot easier."
"Property is very much a people business . I had to go out networking and l had to meet people and I had to go and face my fears and make offers." Referring to a HGV test from years ago, Louise says "It doesn't matter how many times you take that test. At some point you'll pass. And it just sort of really resonated with me with that. I went, yeah, you're right."
"I've grown at exactly the same rate as our business as a person. I had to, and that's almost like a bit of an adrenaline rush, to give yourself a pat on the back that you've succeeded and you've turned that deal around." "Whatever happens, as long as you just keep going in that direction, you've got the big Y written on the whiteboard there, and you're like, I'm going there. And whatever the hell happens on the way, l'm just going to let it happen."
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