HGTV’s “Selling New York” follows CORE agents as they navigate the country’s most competitive—and compelling—real estate market. Here’s our behind-the-scenes look at Episode #508, which first aired on March 15, 2012. For more SNY recaps, click here.
In this week’s episode of “Selling New York,” titled “Deal or No Deal,” CORE Managing Director Tom Postilio had to breathe new life into a listing at the Chelsea House, a condominium development at 130 West 19th Street in Manhattan, in order to entice potential buyers to visit. When Tom originally put his listing on the market he thought it would be an easy sell because of its great Chelsea location and the building’s great amenities. However, after multiple showings, Tom realized that visitors found the apartment to be dark and cluttered, not to mention the brick wall views.
Luckily, Tom had a plan and convinced his seller to take out everything and stage the apartment. After a quick meeting with Susan Goldstein from Studio D, they agreed to use furnishings and lighting that would brighten up the space. The staging was successful and the apartment immediately got interest. Keep on reading for some exclusive behind-the-scenes information about what didn’t make it into last night’s episode of “Selling New York” and what happened after the cameras stopped rolling!
1) Tom marks a milestone. This episode, including the three days of filming it took to complete, marked Tom’s 50th day of shooting for “Selling New York.” The unlikely television veteran (even he’s surprised!) has been involved with the show since its start.
2) Another day another staging. In the episode, Tom decided that the best way to market his listing was to change everything – the décor, lighting and paint needed to go. Is a complete makeover unusual? We asked Tom how often he recommends re-staging an apartment, and he said that it has become standard practice. Tom said that marketing is everything in real estate and that most buyers need to see a clean piece of property in order to see its potential.
3) All stagers aren’t created equally. During our conversation about staging, Tom mentioned that not every staging experience has had outstanding results. Luckily, Tom struck gold when Susan Goldstein was referred to him and since then, she’s become his go-to person for all of his staging needs.
4) Different rules for different buildings. The Chelsea House, where Tom’s listing was located, is in a great area that’s close to restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. However, Tom mentioned that the Chelsea House has a 1% flip tax (paid by the seller), which is almost unheard of in condo buildings. He stressed that it’s important for potential buyers to know all of the “ifs, ands, and buts” of a building before making a large investment.
5) A different kind of staging. As most viewers have seen throughout Tom’s “Selling New York” episodes, he is a broker by day and entertainer by night. In the episode, Tom meets his client at the Metropolitan Room Cabaret, where they watch a live performance by the client’s daugher and talk business. What most of you don’t know is that Tom has performed there quite regularly. This past December, he starred in a holiday show with Gloria Ruben where they performed the duet “Baby it’s Cold Outside.”