Fast Track Podcast

In this episode of Fast Track, Derek chats with Mariel, a nurse who turned her dream of homeownership into reality in just 26 days. Tired of the challenges and restrictions of renting, Mariel downloaded the ERA app, completed the learning blocks, and received expert guidance to navigate her first home purchase—all solo.She shares the mindset shifts, practical tips, and strategies that helped her save, plan, and finally take the leap into owning her own home. From overcoming doubts to realising it was actually happening, this episode is a real, inspiring look at how the right support can make first homeownership achievable—fast.The Fast Track Podcast is presented by Aera — the podcast that helps Kiwis get into their first home, faster!This podcast is proudly produced by the team at Fanaticals.

In this episode of Fast Track, Derek sits down with Briar, a 35 year old teacher who just brought her first home solo in Auckland. She shares how she went from thinking homeownership was impossible to settling on her place in just a few whirlwind weeks.Briar unpacks the mindset shift that happened once she joined Aera and how expert guidance gave her clarity and confidence. She gets real about the emotional rollercoaster — the fear, the excitement and the moment it finally became real when the keys landed in her hand.The Fast Track Podcast is presented by Aera — the podcast that helps Kiwis get into their first home, faster!This podcast is proudly produced by the team at Fanaticals.

In this episode of Fast Track, Derek chats with Ella, a recent graduate on a mission to buy her first home solo within 1–2 years. She shares how moving back home, using a multi-bucket savings system, and sticking to a disciplined budget has set her up for success. She also explains her plan to live with friends as flatmates to cover her mortgage.Derek & Ella break down the realities of renting and how to get on track for your first home, even if moving back home isn’t an option.The Fast Track Podcast is presented by Aera — the podcast that helps Kiwis get into their first home, faster!This podcast is proudly produced by the team at Fanaticals.

In this episode of Fast Track, Derek and Laura are back answering the big questions first-home buyers are asking right now from “Is it smarter to rent and invest?” to “Can I really trust developers?”They unpack what timing the market actually means, why KiwiSaver and psychology play a bigger role than you think and how to tell the difference between a good new build and a bad one. If you’re thinking about buying or just waiting for “the right time” this episode’s for you.The Fast Track Podcast is presented by Aera — the podcast that helps Kiwis get into their first home, faster!This podcast is proudly produced by the team at Fanaticals.

In this episode of Fast Track, Derek sits down with Laura, one of Aera’s First Home Finders, to tackle the top questions she hears every day from first-home buyers. From “Is Aera a scam?” to “How much deposit do I really need?” they unpack the truths behind the myths, explain how the market really works, and share practical tips to help Kiwis get into their first home faster.Discover why new builds can be the smarter choice, how KiwiSaver and Aera’s coaching system can speed up your journey, and hear stories of buyers turning a “no” from the bank into a “yes” in just days. Whether you’re saving, dreaming, or ready to act, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and the tools to take the next step.The Fast Track Podcast is presented by Aera — the podcast that helps Kiwis get into their first home, faster!This podcast is proudly produced by the team at Fanaticals.

Are you a logical decision maker or do you follow your gut? On this episode of Fast Track, Chereè and Derek dive into decision-making psychology and how understanding your style can make a huge difference when buying your first home. They break down the main types of decision makers and show how knowing your style can help you make confident choices.If you’re navigating the first-home journey this episode is packed with insights, practical tips, and self-reflection exercises to help you make your best decisions, faster.The Fast Track Podcast is presented by Aera — the podcast that helps Kiwis get into their first home, faster!This podcast is proudly produced by the team at Fanaticals.

In this episode of Fast Track, Chereè and Derek take it back to basics, breaking down how the housing market really works and what first-home buyers should know before they start browsing Trade Me.They unpack the “sweet spot” price range, why auctions and “price by negotiation” can be risky for beginners and the biggest factors that drive house prices in New Zealand. Plus hear Derek’s advice for young families weighing up whether to wait for their “forever home” or get on the ladder sooner and why timing the market could cost you more than you think.The Fast Track Podcast is presented by Aera — the podcast that helps Kiwis get into their first home, faster!This podcast is proudly produced by the team at Fanaticals.

In this episode of Fast Track, Chereè and Derek break down why having a clear first-home strategy is the number one step on your buying journey. They dive into mapping out your current situation, setting realistic milestones and tackling common hurdles like debt, student loans, and credit scores. Plus, hear practical tips on using tools like the Aera app to bridge the gap to homeownership.The Fast Track Podcast is presented by Aera — the podcast that helps Kiwis get into their first home, faster!This podcast is proudly produced by the team at Fanaticals.

In this episode of Fast Track, Chereè and Derek dive into how to boost your income and earn that pay rise you’ve been waiting for. They break down practical tactics, from leveraging extra hours and taking on more responsibility to confidently pitching yourself for higher pay. Plus, hear how a 22-year-old healthcare worker is already on track to buy her first home, proving that smart strategies and the right mindset can fast-track your homeownership journey.The Fast Track Podcast is presented by Aera — the podcast that helps Kiwis get into their first home, faster!This podcast is proudly produced by the team at Fanaticals.