Belle Property agent Matthew Smythe: The dinner party conversation that changed his life

Matthew Smythe of Belle Property Neutral Bay had an idyllic childhood on the upper north shore, exploring the local bushland, starting a car-washing business and wearing daggy Dunlop KT 26s.

Nowadays, Matt loves the water and can often be found swimming in the ocean somewhere off Bondi. He has been a real estate agent since 2001, and was briefly also a Wheel of Fortune quiz champion. He is married with three children.

What was it like growing up on the upper north shore?

As kids, we were always on an adventure and as long as we were back by sunset for dinner, nobody minded. We’d spend our time bushwalking and exploring creeks. I had lots of scars from bicycle accidents and falling out of trees.

Smythe grew up in Sydney’s leafy upper north shore area. Photo: Hornsby Shire Council

What was your first job?

When I was 10, I started a car-washing business with a mate. We made up these dodgy business cards and went door to door carrying a big old vacuum cleaner and washing cars for $5. We thought it was great money, but I was pretty knackered. My first proper job was while I was in year 12 working at the Athlete’s Foot. I’d be selling Air Jordans but couldn’t afford them myself, and would be running around in a pair of KT 26s.

How did you get into real estate?

I was at a dinner party and someone mentioned that they thought I’d be good at real estate. Six months later in 2001, the tech crash came, so moving on was the best decision I ever made.

Smythe decided to get into real estate in 2001, and now works in Neutral Bay. Photo: Supplied

What about university?

I came from a family of lawyers, so I studied law but, after a year or two, I went travelling overseas. When I got back, I went into corporate IT sales for six years.

• Related: Louise Snowden: Motorcross queen, top seller
• Related: How Georgia Cleary makes the cut
• Related: The rock star of Sydney real estate

Which living person do you most admire?

Dylan Alcott, the Paralympian wheelchair basketballer and tennis player. His ability to overcome adversity and achieve what he has is nothing short of incredible.

Paralympian and radio presenter Dylan Alcott. Photo: Jonathan Carroll

Greatest achievement outside of property?

I was the carry-over champion on Wheel of Fortune for three consecutive nights. It was a lot of fun. I won a kitchen, but I didn’t have a house at the time.

What has this job taught you about people?

People are very real when you become part of their personal space. You must build a level of trust, as they are letting you into a very critical part of their life.

Smythe on ocean swimming: ‘You don’t overthink anything, you just look towards the next headland.’ Photo: Jessica Hromas

Tell us about your ocean swimming?

I love it, that sense of tranquillity. It’s a great way to unwind. You don’t overthink anything, you just look towards the next headland.

If not in real estate, what would be your fantasy job?

As a water lover, I’d love to be a marine park ranger. It would be a lovely life.

Hardest thing you’ve ever done?

I ran the Sydney Marathon. I prefer swimming however, so to get running-fit at that level was very tough. I went to some pretty dark places that day, but I found a way to finish. I was determined.

Smythe says running the Sydney Marathon was ‘very tough.’ Photo: Brook Mitchell

Your guilty pleasure?

Pavlova and good wine, but definitely not together.

If you could live anywhere in the world?

Being a water lover, it would have to be an island, just so as long as it had a bar and a few golf holes.