Home Files

Having learned so much about the process of building your first home throughout this second season of Home Files, it makes sense to chat with someone who's been through the process themselves.Joining us in the studio for our last episode for the season is Karlie McQuillan, a Carlisle customer who has recently built and moved into her brand-new EasyLiving home. Karlie provides a candid account of her journey, from navigating the challenges of a small lot to the excitement of moving in.Also with us in the studio is Briana Russell, Client Liaison Executive for EasyLiving who plays a crucial role in guiding clients through the entire build journey.Throughout this episode, Karlie covers the topics that we discussed throughout the season, including:Karlie's small lot housing code block, how she found the perfect home to fit, and why she chose Carlisle.  The role of a Customer Liaison Executive at Carlisle.  How Karlie discovered that building was the most financially achievable option for her to get into the market, and how she budgeted and saved for her first home deposit, including the government grants she took advantage of.Karlie's initial nervousness and excitement about each stage of the build journey.Karlie's experience making the colour selections for her new home and her sources of inspiration.Briana takes us through the six steps of EasyLiving and her favourite part of the construction process. How Karlie was kept up to date throughout her build, and how she navigated any of the challenges she faced.  Don't miss this last episode of Season 2 of Home Files – the real story from a Carlisle customer. Press play and let Karlie take you on her home-building adventure.We hope you've found this season of Home Files valuable as you embark on your journey to first home ownership because remember - life's better in your very own place. Special Guests:Briana Russell – Customer Liaison Executive, Carlisle HomesKarlie McQuillen – EasyLiving Customer Bits of Gold:If you're enjoying this series, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, or if you have a friend who is thinking about building their first home – share it with them too! And just remember, everything we talk about on this podcast is general in nature and doesn't consider your own personal circumstances. So please speak to a licensed financial advisor or a professional consultant to discuss your own situation. This podcast is proudly brought to you by Carlisle Homes – Australia's Most Professional Volume Builder for 2023 awarded by the Housing Industry Association.  You can get in touch at carlislehomes.com.au, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok - @CarlislehomesEverything we talk about on this podcast is general in nature and doesn't consider your own circumstances. Please speak to a licensed financial advisor or a professional consultant for personalised information. 

When your construction site starts to come to life, the dream of your new home feels excitedly close. Yet, with this anticipation comes a touch of apprehension, a sentiment shared by first home buyers.In this episode of Home Files, our expert guests take you on a comprehensive journey through the entire home building process - from your site being cleared, all the way through to the moment you are handed the keys to your very own home.  And there's no one better to guide us through this process than two incredibly knowledgeable Carlisle team members - Operations Manager, Mariah Barnes and Construction Manager, Glen Dunstan. Together, they uncover some invaluable insights about the construction process, including:A general overview of the building journey.The role of the Construction Manager, Site Supervisors and how the Operations ManagerAn explanation of the five stages of construction, some common questions and concerns from first home buyers and the importance of communication and transparency.Dealing with delays and some alternative solutions, including the council approval process and timeline.Deciphering common construction terms and the payment structure for a new home build.Quality assurance and how to ensure your home will be built to last.Staying up to date with Carlisle Connect.The importance of asking questions and understanding the process throughout construction.Set out on your home building journey with confidence. Tune into this episode to feel empowered and in control knowing what to expect during construction. Special Guests:Mariah Barnes – Operations Manager, Carlisle HomesGlen Dunstan – Construction Manager, Carlisle Homes Bits of Gold:If you're enjoying this series, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, or if you have a friend who is thinking about building their first home – share it with them too!This podcast is proudly brought to you by Carlisle Homes – Australia's Most Professional Volume Builder for 2023 awarded by the Housing Industry Association. You can get in touch at carlislehomes.com.au, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok - @CarlislehomesEverything we talk about on this podcast is general in nature and doesn't consider your own circumstances. Please speak to a licensed financial advisor or a professional consultant for personalised information. 

Unlock budget-friendly home styling secrets from two interior design experts from the industry. Learn all the tips and tricks for creating that display home look, for less.Episode NotesIn the world of home styling, some have a natural flair for transforming spaces, while others may find it a bit overwhelming.In this episode, we're delving into the insider secrets of home styling with two remarkable Interior Designers from the home building industry. Joining us is Jess Hodges, Carlisle's Interior Design Manager who heads up the team behind Carlisle's breathtaking display homes. Also with us is Hannah Kachel, the founder of Urban Code Interior Design, known for bringing clients' unique tastes and styles to life.Jess and Hannah simplify the interior design and home styling process, offering insights on how to achieve high-end looks without breaking the bank, including:How you balance your design vision with budget constraints.The importance of incorporating personal touches in your home to create an emotional connection with the space.The colour selection process with Carlisle's EasyLiving series and how it simplifies the decisions for first home buyers.How to add style and personality to a home through the strategic use of colour, artwork and plants.Tips on decluttering and organising.Common styling mistakes and how to avoid them.Styling hacksCreativity and resourcefulness in design choices including their favourite budget-friendly stores.Dive into this episode to learn how to transform your space, no matter the budget!     Special Guests:Jess Hodges – Interior Design Manager, Carlisle HomesHannah Kachel – Founder, Urban Code Interior Design Bits of Gold:If you're enjoying this series, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, or if you have a friend who is thinking about building their first home – share it with them too!This podcast is proudly brought to you by Carlisle Homes – Australia's Most Professional Volume Builder for 2023 awarded by the Housing Industry Association. You can get in touch at carlislehomes.com.au, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok - @CarlislehomesEverything we talk about on this podcast is general in nature and doesn't consider your own circumstances. Please speak to a licensed financial advisor or a professional consultant for personalised information. 

When you're a first home buyer and working with an often-tight budget, there are some crucial considerations that you should keep in mind to make your money go further. The experts on today's episode advise it's all about making savvy choices.Joining us today are Mark Sinnott, a Carlisle Sales Consultant known for perfecting the house and land combination, and Ricky D'Alesio, Carlisle's Design Manager with an impressive 25-year track record of crafting award-winning homes, specifically tailored for first home buyers.Together they share their expertise on how first home buyers can optimise their choices to get the best bang for buck when building their new home. We discuss:Carlisle's EasyLiving series and why it's such an accessible and affordable option for first home buyers.How various home designs cater to the unique needs of first home buyers.The importance of considering both your new home and the block that you're going to build on.Doing your research and shortlisting suitable home designs on the Carlisle website.Popular design requests and preferences of first home buyers.The benefits of going through the process with a builder like Carlisle.Fixed pricing and the certainty and benefits it offers first home buyers.Hit play and uncover tips and tricks usually reserved for those already committed to the process of building their home. Hear it first on Home Files.  Special Guests:Mark Sinnott – Sales Consultant, Carlisle HomesRicky D'Alesio – Design Manager, Carlisle HomesBits of Gold:If you're enjoying this series, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, or if you have a friend who is thinking about building their first home – share it with them too!This podcast is proudly brought to you by Carlisle Homes – Australia's Most Professional Volume Builder for 2023 awarded by the Housing Industry Association. You can get in touch at carlislehomes.com.au, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok - @CarlislehomesEverything we talk about on this podcast is general in nature and doesn't consider your own circumstances. Please speak to a licensed financial advisor or a professional consultant for personalised information. 

Let's face it, no dream home becomes a reality without addressing the finances first!To help us navigate the world of finance and budgets are Janine Armstrong, General Manager of Marketing for Carlisle Homes and Mark Polatkesen, a seasoned Mortgage Broker and Director of Mortgage Domayne.Together, they provide a comprehensive guide to the financial considerations first home buyers need to make when considering building their first home, all while simplifying the complexities of the process. They cover everything from saving for a deposit, government incentives and schemes, the importance of loan pre-approvals, and setting a realistic budget.Together, we discuss:The financial considerations you need to make if choosing to build your first home.The accessibility of deposits for first home buyers and the impact of government incentives.Benefits of having parental guarantors.Setting a realistic budget for your new home.Transparency of costs without compromising quality and lifestyle with Carlisle's EasyLiving series.House and land packages and the benefits of purchasing your land and home together as one fixed price package.The benefits of early finance planning and timeline creation, including site start date.Mortgage brokers and how they differ from banks.Differences in home loans and the benefits of offset accounts and redraws.Why it's so important to have a supportive team behind you when buying a home.Discover the power of knowing your numbers. Don't miss this episode for all the financial know-how you need to turn your dream home into a reality. Special Guests:Janine Armstrong – GM of Marketing, Carlisle HomesMark Polatkesen – Director, Mortgage Domayne Bits of Gold:If you're enjoying this series, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, or if you have a friend who is thinking about building their first home – share it with them too!This podcast is proudly brought to you by Carlisle Homes – Australia's Most Professional Volume Builder for 2023 awarded by the Housing Industry Association. You can get in touch at carlislehomes.com.au, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok - @CarlislehomesEverything we talk about on this podcast is general in nature and doesn't consider your own circumstances. Please speak to a licensed financial advisor or a professional consultant for personalised information. 

Welcome back to Home Files Season 2!In our first episode, we're joined by two absolute powerhouses from the home building industry: Lisa Nightingale, Group Sales Manager for Carlisle Homes and Emily Wood, General Manager for Brand and Customer at Frasers Property – an Australian land developer that creates the residential communities where new homes are built.Each with over 20 years of experience, Lisa and Emily share invaluable insights on finding the perfect neighbourhood, selecting the right block and ensuring your chosen home and location is the perfect fit for you.Together, we discuss:The benefits of building in a new land estate, emphasising the sense of community when building from the ground up together with others.The EasyLiving series from Carlisle Homes and why it is such an affordable and accessible option for first home buyers.How the profile of first home buyers has changed.Why moving into a well-looked-after, master-planned estate is so beneficial.The property market changes and its impact on the home building market.How builders and land developers are working together to provide more options and flexibility for customers, including a variety of land sizes to suit various budgets and fixed price house and land packages.Essential advice on selecting the right block for your new home considering factors like frontage, easements and fall.The importance of considering personal circumstances in any home-buying decisions, and why trust and open communication with any builder you choose is so important.Tune into this episode for all the insights you need to determine if building your first home is the right choice for you. Special Guests:Lisa Nightingale – Group Sales Manager, Carlisle HomesEmily Wood – General Manager for Brand and Customer, Frasers Property, an Australian land developer. Bits of Gold:If you're enjoying this series, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, or if you have a friend who is thinking about building their first home – share it with them too!This podcast is proudly brought to you by Carlisle Homes – Australia's Most Professional Volume Builder for 2023 awarded by the Housing Industry Association. You can get in touch at carlislehomes.com.au, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok - @CarlislehomesEverything we talk about on this podcast is general in nature and doesn't consider your own circumstances. Please speak to a licensed financial advisor or a professional consultant for personalised information. 

Welcome to Season 2 of Home Files, your essential guide for navigating the world of building your first home.Join host, Caitlin Judd, as we delve into each phase of the build journey together. Alongside industry experts, we'll provide you with the information and confidence you need to turn your dreams of homeownership into a reality. Because life's better in your very own place.From your initial visit to a display village to finding an ideal block of land, understanding affordability, and exploring Carlisle's EasyLiving series and the accessible options it offers first home buyers, to stepping through the construction process and even finding budget-friendly ways to style your new abode – we're here to guide you through it all. You'll also hear from a happy Carlisle customer who recently settled into her new EasyLiving home.  Proudly brought to you by Carlisle Homes – Australia's Most Professional Volume Builder for 2023, as awarded by the Housing Industry Association, this podcast is the first of its kind – and not to be missed!Be sure to click the notify link in your favourite podcast app so you can catch the first episode as soon as it's released on Tuesday October 24th!

Joining us for today's chat is Tina – a very happy KDR customer who recently built a Carlisle home in Melbourne's bayside suburbs who helps bring everything we've discussed during this series together in one easy to listen to episode. Also involved in this chat is Steph Massuger, Carlisle's KDR Client Liaison Team Leader, who works with clients throughout their entire KDR journey – from first deposit, through to handing over the keys. Tina talks us through her experience building the beautiful single storey Matisse 35, and offers up all her insights, top tips and tricks along the way. From having plans drawn up for  a duplex, renovation, and extension, before deciding on a KDR and walking into one Carlisle display and depositing that same day – through to knowing exactly which upgrades she wanted in her new home – Tina's journey is so engaging. A very fast-talking, insightful chat – you just can't miss this one.  BITS OF GOLD: Explore Tina's home including video tour, photos and editorial hereRead more real stories from recent KDR customersDownload Carlisle's new KDR Information Pack which details the entire process from start to finish, including all the acronyms, a block suitability checklist and why you should consider a KDR.To learn more or to get in touch - follow Carlisle Homes on Instagram @carlislehomes, visit carlislehomes.com.au or pop into one of our many display homes. If you're enjoying this series, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, or if you have a friend who's thinking about undertaking a KDR – send them the link! Proudly supported by CSR Hebel Australia and Laminex

On hand to help us understand more about this topic and what sustainability actually means are three industry experts. Con Galileos, Group Development Manager for Carlisle Homes who has over 25 years of industry experience in the building game, reputable landscape designer Mark Browning, and Mandi Kontos, Architectural Lighting Designer from Beacon Lighting, who you may know from The Block. In this episode, we're discussing everything sustainability both inside and outside of the home. From building design and materials, to the plants you choose for your new garden, the technology you use to automate your home, and how solar and battery storage can all contribute to a more energy efficient environment for you and for your family.With 6-star energy efficiency currently mandatory for new builds, and 7 star just around the corner, we also discuss what design considerations are imperative in helping you achieve this minimum rating – without having to compromise on the aesthetics of your home at all. Now being sustainable doesn't mean you go without life's luxuries – in fact it's the opposite. SPECIAL GUESTS:Mark Browning – Landscape Architect Mandi Kontos – Architectural Lighting Designer, Beacon LightingCon Galileos -  Group Development Manager, Carlisle HomesBITS OF GOLD:Download Carlisle's new KDR Information Pack which details the entire process from start to finish, including all the acronyms, a block suitability checklist and why you should consider a KDR.Visit us at one of our many display homes or at carlislehomes.com.au.Stay in touch and follow Carlisle Homes on Instagram @carlislehomes If you're enjoying this series, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, or if you have a friend who's thinking about undertaking a KDR – send them the link! Proudly supported by CSR Hebel Australia and Laminex

In this episode, we're chatting about the best part of the KDR process – making the choices and selections for your brand-new home. The one you've created moodboards for on Pinterest and saved in Instagram, the one you've been planning and visualising in your mind for what feels like forever. In this exciting episode, we chat with three highly regarded designers in the home styling space - Interior Design Queen Jen Bishop, also known as the ‘Interiors Addict,' Neil Sookee, Product Design Manager for Laminex, who has been supplying beautiful products to the building industry for over 80 years, and the talented Interior Design Manager at Carlisle, Jess Hodges, who creates the beautiful and inspirational display homes. Whether home styling comes naturally to you, or you find it a little stressful – it doesn't matter, because our team today will help you pull your vision together and shape what will become the home you are proud to say is yours. They chat about all things décor and design including where they get their inspiration from, some of the latest and greatest trends and must-haves in new homes, colour choices and profile options, and how customers go about making their new home selections when they build with Carlisle in the largest and newest customer showroom in the industry – Spectra. Carlisle's exclusive showroom offers customers the unique opportunity to browse through 3,500 products from well-known brands like Laminex, CSR Hebel, Beacon Lighting, Caesarstone and Beaumont Tiles, across 2,500 square meters – with real life kitchens, bathrooms and laundry displays to help make their appointment even easier. Keep your ears for what each of the designers are absolutely loving right now – including some very eclectic wallpaper. SPECIAL GUESTS:Interiors Addict - Jen BishopNeil Sookee – Product Design Manager, Laminex AUJessica Hodges – Interior Design Manager, Carlisle HomesBITS OF GOLD:Find more information about Spectra, or explore the showroom from the comfort of your home with our Virtual TourDownload Carlisle's new KDR Information Pack which details the entire process from start to finish, including all the acronyms, a block suitability checklist and why you should consider a KDR.Visit us at one of our many display homes or at carlislehomes.com.au.Stay in touch and follow Carlisle Homes on Instagram @carlislehomesIf you're enjoying this series, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, or if you have a friend who's thinking about undertaking a KDR – send them the link!Proudly supported by CSR Hebel Australia and Laminex

“I wish I had of talked to you months ago” is a common phrase that the experts in today's episode hear often. Joining us to chat finances is Suresh Kandasamy – Mortgage Broker at Loan Studio who specialises in construction finance for new builds, and Janine Armstrong, General Manager of Marketing at Carlisle Homes and previous KDR customer. Both Suresh and Janine both know what they're talking about when it comes to the numbers. They will help get you into your new home sooner by walking you through the entire process, including the best time to have that first conversation about your finances with a home loan specialist. We also cover off finding appropriate home loans for your situation, utilising the equity in your home to fund your build, construction home loan options, guarantors, how timings can impact your financial position, and last but not least – determining your budget, and making it work in the location you love, and building the home you've always dreamed of. This episode will help put your mind at ease about your finances, and we promise that you'll walk away feeling more empowered about your financial situation than at the beginning.  SPECIAL GUESTS:Suresh Kandasamy from Loan StudioJanine Armstrong, General Manager–Marketing, Carlisle HomesBITS OF GOLD: Download Carlisle's new KDR Information Pack which details the entire process from start to finish, including all the acronyms, a block suitability checklist and why you should consider a KDRLoan Studio's finance breakdownVisit us at one of our many display homes or at carlislehomes.com.au.Stay in touch and follow Carlisle Homes on Instagram @carlislehomesIf you're enjoying this series, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, or if you have a friend who's thinking about undertaking a KDR – send them the link! Proudly supported by CSR Hebel Australia and Laminex

Joining us today to navigate us through the process of finding your dream home and choosing a builder that is right for you is Rebeka Morgan, registered Residential builder and Founder of BuildHer Collective; a business that exists to empower women with the right tools to build the home of their dreams through her podcast and online courses; Lisa Nightingale, Group Sales Manager for Carlisle Homes, who is a wealth of information with over 18 years in the new home industry; and Ricky D'Alesio, Senior Designer at Carlisle Homes, who has been designing homes for over 25 years. Where do people start when looking for a new home, and why do people choose to build and not buy or renovate? What does it mean to design a functional home and what are the important considerations everyone should make when building their dream home?What should you look for when choosing a builder and how do you know they're financially stable? What does it mean to build with a volume home builder? We uncover all of these questions and more. It's a long ep, but one we promise is well worth the listen for the invaluable insights offered up by our incredible line up of guests. SPECIAL GUESTS:Rebeka Morgan – Registered Builder and Founder & Owner of BuildHerCollectiveRicky D'Alesio – Senior Designer, Carlisle HomesLisa Nightingale – Group Sales Manager, Carlisle HomesBITS OF GOLD: Download Carlisle's new KDR Information Pack which details the entire process from start to finish, including all the acronyms, a block suitability checklist and why you should consider a KDRVisit us at one of our many display homes or at carlislehomes.com.au.Stay in touch and follow Carlisle Homes on Instagram @carlislehomesIf you're enjoying this series, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, or if you have a friend who's thinking about undertaking a KDR – send them the link! Proudly supported by CSR Hebel Australia and Laminex

Anna and Caitlin chat to Lisa Nightingale, Group Sales Manager for Carlisle Homes and an industry expert with over 18 years of experience, and Kosta Mesaritis – Partner and Auctioneer and Jellis Craig Bayside Glen Eira Group to provide insight on the real estate market and the rise in popularity of KDR's. Together, we chat about the KDR process from start to finish, including who Carlisle Homes is and what they offer, what a KDR actually is and why it's becoming such a popular choice, where you can undertake a KDR including finding a suitable block, and the many reasons why you might consider a KDR over a renovation or extension project. With both Kosta and Lisa in such a unique position of helping customers realise their vision of building their dream home – they offer invaluable insights into the process and clarify any questions you may have about embarking on such a daunting, yet exciting journey! SPECIAL GUESTS:Kosta Mesaritis – Partner/Auctioneer, Jellis Craig Bayside & Glen Eira GroupLisa Nightingale – Group Sales Manager, Carlisle HomesBITS OF GOLD:Download Carlisle's new KDR Information Pack which details the entire process from start to finish, including all the acronyms, a block suitability checklist and why you should consider a KDR.Visit us at one of our many display homes or at carlislehomes.com.au.Stay in touch and follow Carlisle Homes on Instagram @carlislehomesIf you're enjoying this series, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, or if you have a friend who's thinking about undertaking a KDR – send them the link! Proudly supported by CSR Hebel Australia and Laminex

This series is here to teach you everything you need to know about knocking down an existing home and building a new one - including choosing a builder, determining suitability of your block, selecting, and designing your new home.Join Caitlin Judd and Anna Mackenzie (aka Lady-Brains) as they chat with home design and industry experts, real customers and a few notable names - to help you feel confident and in control as you set out to build your dream home.Proudly brought to you by Carlisle Homes, this podcast is the first of its kind – and not to be missed!Click the notify link in your Podcast app to catch each episode as soon as it drops.To learn more or to get in touch - follow Carlisle Homes on Instagram @carlislehomes or visit carlislehomes.com.au