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 #502, which first aired on February 2, 2012. For more SNY recaps, click here.
In “Old Listings Get Some New Life,” CORE Managing Director Tom Postilio was under the gun to sell one of his most unique listings. After six months on the market at $3.495 million, the eclectic triplex penthouse at 135 West 58th Street in Midtown wasn’t generating much interest from buyers. Apparently, purple couches and flamboyant décor just aren’t for everyone. In an attempt to breathe new life into the listing, Tom proposed a radical million-dollar price drop and a furniture swap to attract a larger pool of New York City brokers and buyers, and sure enough, that’s just what happened. The end of the episode ended with an offer on the apartment, and it has since sold for $2.4 million in cash!
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’s very short commute. Tom knew the neighborhood around West 58th Street, in Midtown a block south of Central Park, just as well as the homeowners, if not better. He actually lives on the same block, and when buyers were brought into the apartment for a tour, he would make jokes about being future neighbors. Tom could speak to buyers from a personal perspective about any and everything neighborhood related. The best cafés? Supermarkets? Shopping? He knew it all without having to rely on everyone’s dear friends, Google and Yelp. Chuck and Pearl Mintzer couldn’t have asked for a more informed broker.
2) Business mixed with pleasure. The time Tom spent with the Mintzers wasn’t always work related. After getting to know each other they became fast friends, and Tom was invited to spend a beautiful summer day at their home in New Hope, Pennsylvania. The Mintzers hosted a backyard barbecue beside their pool, and there was no mention of pricing, staging, or anything else real estate related. Sometimes a refresher is all you need to get back into the game.
3) The ugly duckling was also a swan. Throughout the episode, it was obvious that potential buyers were a bit turned off by the home’s unusual décor. It’s not uncommon for brokers to reconfigure an apartment to cater to a larger pool of buyers, and after six months of slow movement, Tom was eager to do just that. Ironically enough, right before replacing the furniture, Tom found a buyer for the property—a buyer whose offer was contingent on keeping all the furnishings and artwork. When it comes to real estate, there’s a lid for every pot. Sometimes, it just takes time to find a perfect fit.
4) The best Burger Joint in New York. While taking a break from filming, Tom advised the starving production crew to grab a bite at the Burger Joint. While the name may be a little bland, the burgers are to die for. A cult favorite tucked inside the lobby of the Le Parker Meridian hotel on West 56th Street, this burger spot is one of Manhattan’s hidden gems (look for the neon burger sign). Our mouths are watering just thinking about their cheeseburgers.
5) House hunting can lead to a new career. While on the market, many prospective buyers toured the triplex penthouse at West 58th. Interestingly enough, one woman who toured the property enjoyed the experience of searching for a new home so much that she ended up becoming a real estate broker just a few months later. No joke: Even though the penthouse wasn’t her ideal match, it inspired her to pursue a whole new career in real estate.