In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Derek von Sturmer, a seasoned real estate expert with over two decades of experience helping Kiwis buy and sell homes. Known for his no-nonsense honesty and deep community roots, Derek unpacks the critical role trust plays in the relationship between homeowners and their agents, especially during one of life’s most stressful decisions.

Whether you’re preparing your home for sale or trying to assess a property’s potential, Derek shares invaluable lessons from the front lines of real estate in both Auckland and Wellington, with a focus on his home turf of Point Chevalier. He explains how building a strong, collaborative partnership with your agent is essential for making informed decisions, reducing stress, and ultimately achieving better outcomes.

Throughout the episode, Derek offers practical advice for both sellers and buyers. For those selling, he explains the key steps to take before listing — including cost-effective improvements that boost appeal, the often-overlooked power of staging, and common pitfalls homeowners should avoid. He also shares real-world tips on how to see your property through a buyer’s eyes and where to focus your energy for the best return.

For buyers, Derek provides smart guidance on attending open homes, spotting red flags, and how to truly evaluate a home’s potential, beyond the staged presentation. With his personable style and years of experience, he highlights how small observations at viewings can reveal big insights, and why buyers should rely on honest, experienced agents who won’t just tell them what they want to hear.

Listeners will also learn about Derek’s fascinating personal background — from being a circus acrobat to coaching Mexico’s national rugby team — and how those diverse experiences have shaped his ability to build trust, maintain discipline, and connect authentically with clients from all walks of life.

As always, we wrap up the episode with our three signature questions: Derek shares the most common mistake homeowners make, the biggest trend shaping the future of real estate in New Zealand, and his one piece of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the process.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options, this episode is packed with honest insights and expert advice to help you move forward with confidence. Derek’s message is clear: when you trust your agent and work together with transparency, you’ll not only have a smoother experience, but you’ll also be empowered to make smarter decisions for your future.

There’s plenty more where that came from. The Trends Property Insight Series is a video podcast that dives into the real stories, expert advice, and smart solutions behind New Zealand’s renovation, building, and home buying journeys. Hosted by Andrew Johnson, each episode features industry leaders, design professionals, and product innovators sharing practical insights to help you make confident decisions for your home.

To explore the full series of interviews, design stories, and renovation tips, head over to our Podcast Page and watch or listen to every episode on demand.