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 AERA 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.