Real Estate TV Boosts Business for Agents as Series Thrive on Glam Factor

As a passionate admirer of the dynamic world of reality television, I find myself utterly captivated by the enigmatic figure that is Ryan Serhant. His journey from the small screen of “Million Dollar Listing New York” to the grand stage of Netflix’s “Owning Manhattan” is nothing short of extraordinary.


Real estate television shows typically provide viewers with a look into homes that appear flawless. There’s no sign of chipped paint, mismatched furnishings or structural problems. Instead, these homes receive a makeover – just like the buying and selling process. This is similar to the “The Bachelor” franchise’s highly-produced quest for love designed for maximum suspense, as reality real estate shows showcase glamour (cheers at open houses and closings! designer interiors! impressive architecture! stylish agents!) while omitting the less glamorous aspects of negotiations and financing from the broadcast.

Does Ryan Serhant, known for his Manhattan-based brokerage Serhant and Netflix’s “Owning Manhattan,” believe the depiction is far from unrealistic? In fact, he asserts that his show offers an authentic and genuine portrayal of the real estate brokerage business that has yet to be seen on television. This is according to Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, exec-producers of World of Wonder.

He proposed to Netflix and the production company that they document him and several camera-ready Serhant agents for four months instead of sticking to prearranged storylines. The documentary approach would be cinema verite, with a focus on capturing real moments as his firm approached its third year anniversary. (It’s worth noting that Serhant has been in the reality TV business for 15 years, starting with Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing New York”.)

During the eight-episode run, deals fall through, some properties are leased rather than sold, an agent is let go, and all these events unfold live, according to Serhant. This vibrancy is what gives the show its authentic feel, he explains, making it seem so genuine.

Viewers enthusiastically embraced the high-end series theme. With its second season now confirmed, “Owning Manhattan” saw success in Season 1, spending a week within Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV (English) rankings and becoming one of the top 10 TV shows in 30 different countries. As a result of being streamed on Netflix, Serhant’s real estate company experienced a staggering 2,000% surge in website visits, and its social media following grew by an additional million, according to him. In light of this response, he established a dedicated division to handle the influx of inquiries from sellers, buyers, and other real estate professionals.

Mauricio Umanksy, founder and CEO of the Agency real estate brokerage, expresses his awe over the global exposure his brand and name gained from starring in and producing Netflix’s “Buying Beverly Hills.” He made this statement during the shooting of the second season, which took place amidst 2023’s decline in the luxury residential property market. Dealing with multi-million dollar home sales became particularly challenging. Umansky notes that the series demonstrated the need for hard work and perseverance, stating, “It showed that not everything is effortless; you have to strive and struggle for it.

Discussions about business deals were intertwined with a good deal of office politics and personal tension, as Umansky acknowledges. He adds that the series ‘Buying Beverly Hills’ accurately portrayed their team’s authentic dynamics, stating, “From our perspective, our cast was quite open, and the show truly reflected us in our true colors.

Home inspections and routine procedures involved in residential sales may not be captivating to most people, according to Umansky. However, showcasing the high tension and personal risks faced by real estate agents can make for compelling television. Moreover, viewers are given a unique, bird’s-eye view of expensive properties that they would otherwise not have access to, thanks to drone footage.

Real estate experts often face potential embarrassment when they become part of public scrutiny. As Umansky, who famously split with “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards and made headlines on “Buying Beverly Hills,” puts it, the risk is that you might inadvertently come off as an unlikable person to the audience.

The HGTV series “Hawaii Life” spans 14 seasons, focusing on potential homebuyers seeking their dream properties in Hawaii. As Matt Beall, CEO of Hawai’i Life brokerage and show host, explains, the program structure necessitates a condensed decision-making process. The increased visibility and recognition for the brokerage are welcome benefits; however, the true intricacies of a real estate transaction aren’t fully depicted. Issues such as permit problems, encroachments, and utility easements may not make for riveting television, but they comprise the majority of the work involved in these transactions, according to Beall.

He mentions that the show omits a lot of the unpleasant, business-related details happening off-screen, which would make for very unappealing TV.

On reality TV, you can witness the seamless integration of conventional business and real estate businesses. As Serhant puts it, “It’s about content that engages, builds a community, and drives commerce; it’s simply mathematics.” This means presenting real estate in an educational yet entertaining manner for a worldwide audience.

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2024-09-11 21:46